Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has signaled his readiness to reassume leadership of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, a post he vacated last month after backlash over his handling of the flood control probe.
Fresh from eye surgery, Lacson said he and Senate President Vicente Sotto III are prepared for possible political fallout. “Well, anything goes. Kung doon mapunta, nag-uusap na rin kami tungkol doon,” he remarked during the Kapihan sa Senado forum, adding that Sotto reassured him that colleagues are supportive. “Mukhang okay naman,” he noted.
A renewed hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects is being set for November 14. Lacson stressed that a key witness is expected to appear, describing them as a “VIP witness.” He emphasized the importance of solid proof, recalling that he insisted the witness provide documentation before naming individuals. “Kung mag-memention lang ng pangalan na walang support ng dokumento, huwag na lang,” he said.
Lacson also discussed efforts to locate security consultant Orly Guteza, who previously claimed to have delivered funds to former congressman Zaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. He clarified that reviewing CCTV footage of September 25 was not intended to monitor Senator Rodante Marcoleta. “It was not my intention to spy on Senator Marcoleta,” he said.
Investigators are now searching for corroborating witnesses to support Guteza’s claims, acknowledging that unsupported testimony would be difficult to stand on its own. “Mahirap tumayo. So kailangan natin mag-corroborate,” Lacson explained. He is also interested in testimony from security staff and contractors reportedly linked to the alleged cash deliveries.
Despite questions over the notarization of Guteza’s affidavit, Lacson said the sworn testimony remains valid but admitted reservations about the witness disappearing. “Dapat hindi siya nawawala. Hindi siya mahanap ng DOJ. Hindi siya mahanap ng Ombudsman,” he remarked.
Lacson confirmed that both Co and Romualdez will be invited to the next hearing. Should Co again fail to appear, the committee may pursue additional measures, including assistance from international law enforcement. Meanwhile, individuals already held in Senate custody may remain detained until the close of the 20th Congress unless a court intervenes.
