The Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into flood control projects turned tense on Tuesday as Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta clashed over the credibility of key witnesses.
The hearing was briefly suspended after Marcoleta questioned Lacson’s earlier television remarks suggesting that former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer Brice Hernandez was a more reliable state witness than contractors Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya. Both sides have sought protection under the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program amid allegations that several lawmakers were implicated in anomalous projects.
During the recess, Marcoleta cautioned against drawing early conclusions. “Why are we trying to prejudge this? We are still in the process of investigation. If we are in the process of investigation, we should not judge,” he said.
Lacson fired back, asking: “Why are you so protective of the Discayas? Why are you so protective?” Marcoleta denied the accusation and demanded that the exchange be placed on record, even as proceedings remained suspended.
When the session resumed, Lacson instructed former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara to continue with his sworn testimony despite Marcoleta’s objections. Alcantara’s affidavit alleged that budget insertions and kickbacks were funneled to incumbent Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
Marcoleta also cited veteran journalist Ramon Tulfo’s Sept. 14 Facebook post about a lawmaker who allegedly sought P1 billion from the Discaya couple in exchange for defending them during the hearings. Tulfo claimed the supposed deal was settled at P120 million.
The lawmaker admitted the post drew speculation about his involvement. “Ang dami pong nagsasabi na baka ako iyon (A lot of people said that that lawmaker might be me),” Marcoleta told the panel.
Addressing him directly, Pacifico Discaya clarified: “Your honor wala po, wala po talaga (There was never an instance, none, your honor).” He also said he had no knowledge of where Tulfo obtained his information.
