Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has made it clear the legislative probe on the flood control scandal is suspended while awaiting five more senators to sign the partial committee report containing preliminary findings.
“I am suspending all hearings until I have reported out to sponsor in plenary the partial committee report at the very least,” Lacson, chairman of the blue ribbon committee, said in a text message to reporters on Wednesday, April 15.
The controversial report recommends a preliminary investigation against minority Senators Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva over their alleged involvement in budget insertions and kickbacks tied to flood control projects, among others. All three have denied the allegations.
Only four senators have signed the report: Lacson, Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
“I am confident to get at least five more to sign to complete the required majority,” Lacson said.
He earlier deferred the hearing scheduled on April 14, citing the non-submission of former governor Chavit Singson’s affidavit, the lack of signatures, and the national energy emergency.
Lacson said inquiries should result in a committee report containing recommended legislative actions, except for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which can also investigate and recommend the filing of charges in cases of government wrongdoing.
In a separate press conference, Senator Imee Marcos, a member of the minority bloc, said she would not sign the report, which she described as lacking.
“Sinabi na namin ni Senator [Rodante] Marcoleta ‘di ba gumawa na kami ng sariling report dahil very disappointed kami na hindi talaga tinutumbok yung mga Marines at iba’t ibang testigo,” she said.
[Translation: Senator Rodante Marcoleta and I have already prepared our own report because we are very disappointed that it does not really zero in on the Marines and other witnesses.]
“Si Trygve, si Martin nakatambay lang naman ‘yung mga ‘yan bakit hindi hilahin dito at magsalita [Trygve and Martin have just been sitting there — why not bring them here and make them speak],” she added.
She was referring to former Marines who claimed to have delivered kickbacks to various government officials, as well as former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who have been accused of involvement in flood control anomalies—particularly pocketing kickbacks—claims they have both denied.
Lacson said he does not expect any member of the minority bloc to sign the report.
“They can offer all kinds of reasons all they want, wise or otherwise, not to fulfill their duties as members. It’s on them, not on the chairman,” he said.
