Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said he is ready to reassume the chairmanship of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, if elected to the post, even as he disclosed that a ‘very important witness’ is expected to testify soon before the body.
Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Senado” forum, Lacson expressed confidence that his possible return would not disrupt the Senate’s leadership or internal dynamics.
“If elected, I told Senate President Sotto that I’ll accept. He assured me that he already spoke with our colleagues, and it seems everything is fine,” Lacson said, adding that the consensus appeared favorable to his reinstatement as committee chair.
Lacson revealed that a “very important witness” is expected to testify soon, potentially completing the chain of evidence needed to pursue criminal charges.
He said the witness’s affidavit is being finalized and will include ledgers and other documents to substantiate the claims.
The senator stressed that the committee will only entertain testimony supported by verifiable evidence. He confirmed that the next hearing will likely be held on November 14, when senators will decide whether to issue a subpoena to retired Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza.
The subpoena will be coursed through the office of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who had previously been linked to the case’s internal review of CCTV footage.
Lacson said Guteza’s claims, including those implicating former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, must be backed by credible evidence before the panel can treat them as reliable.
He also confirmed that both Romualdez and former Ako-Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co will be invited to the next Senate hearing to address allegations of kickbacks from flood control projects.
Lacson added that the committee is considering issuing a subpoena duces tecum to Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya, who earlier testified that 17 lawmakers allegedly received kickbacks.
He warned that any attempt to avoid formal proceedings would only weaken the credibility of the accusations and dismissed rumors that the Blue Ribbon Committee is protecting certain individuals or political allies.
“There are talks that something is being covered up, but that’s not true. When the hearings resume, nothing will change from my previous direction as chairman—wherever the evidence leads us, we’ll go there,” Lacson said.
He also indicated that the committee is nearing the conclusion of its investigation into alleged anomalies in government-initiated and substandard flood control projects.
“We can already wrap up, at least, the flood control projects, then move on to other issues. This is important because it could tie together everything that needs to be uncovered, including what could lead to prosecution and conviction,” Lacson said.
He emphasized that the Blue Ribbon Committee’s direction would remain the same under his leadership, assuring that the panel will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
