The Senate Blue Ribbon committee has temporarily canceled its legislative inquiry into anomalous flood control projects “until further notice” to focus on budget deliberations and other pressing matters.
Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon chairman Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson confirmed this development in a text message to reporters on Saturday, noting that some of the affidavits they need from witnesses would not be ready on time.
These include the “tell-all” narratives from contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah Rowena ‘Sarah’ Discaya, as well as the resolution of the issue between volunteer witness Orly Guteza and lawyer Petchie Espera, who denied notarizing his affidavit.
“Having been informed that both would not be ready within one week, not to mention that the [Blue Ribbon Committee] hearing will be in conflict with the budget and CA (Commission on Appointment) hearings, I informed SP Sotto of the cancellation until further notice,” Lacson told reporters.
Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III echoed this position. He said the senators will be discussing legislative proposals moving forward, which will continue through executive sessions. “Once we agree on the proposals, we will put it on the floor,” he was quoted saying.
Lacson said they are supposed to resume its hearing on flood control projects this coming Wednesday, October 8, on the request of Senator Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito to summon Engr. Gerald Pacanan, the former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Mimaropa.
However, pending the availability of other necessary documents and evidence, Lacson believed the upcoming session would not be productive, so they are rescheduling it instead. There is no information yet on when the next hearing will be.
The Discayas went back to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday to resume their bid to be granted ‘state witness’ privileges. But the DOJ clarified that evaluation of their case is ongoing and their status remains as protective witnesses at present.
