Metro Manila, Philippines – A former lawmaker facilitated a media briefing on Tuesday, June 16, that presented more so-called witnesses to the flood control project kickback deliveries to beneficiaries, including two new names of officials.
Former Rep. Mike Defensor insisted on calling the presentation a “blue ribbon committee hearing” supposedly announced by the bloc of Sen. Alan Cayetano, but there were no senators present.
He said there may have been a “misunderstanding” with some lawmakers, though Sen. Imee Marcos was earlier seen attempting to enter the venue, while Sen. Robin Padilla visited the venue on Monday for an ocular.
Meanwhile, lawyer Levi Baligod brought with him 22 witnesses who claimed to be former bodyguards of expelled Rep. Zaldy Co. Earlier reports mentioned 18 of the bagmen; four new witnesses were introduced at the event.
He said they came at the invitation of Senators Pia Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta, former chairperson and vice chairperson of the blue ribbon committee, respectively.
READ: Cayetano bloc holds flood control probe despite blue ribbon postponement
“At makita niyo po, alas-diyes tumupad po kami sa kanilang imbitasyon pero alas-dos ay wala pa sila. At naiparating po sa amin na matindi ang panggigipit, pananakot kaya hindi sila nakarating ngayon,” he added.
[Translation: As you can see, we came at 10 a.m. for their invitation but it’s 2 p.m. and they are not here. We were told that there were threats which is why they could not come.]
The witnesses said they delivered suitcases of cash to lawmakers and officials including Sen. Chiz Escudero, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia among others.
Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian on Tuesday said that the event was a possible attempt at destabilization.
He said the Senate only recognizes the blue ribbon committee led by Sen. Erwin Tulfo, noting that any “rogue” hearings outside the Senate premises have no institutional authority.
The committee also disowned Defensor’s event, calling it unauthorized and unconstitutional.
There was confusion earlier in the day as the Doublegem EDSA Gardens Events Place management team said the event would not push through. The venue team also firmly distanced itself from the event organizers.
“We would also like to reiterate that Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place has no affiliation whatsoever with the organizers, participants, or subject matter of the event. Our role was solely that of an independent events venue provider,” the management said in a now-deleted statement.
