Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) — A key witness in the Senate hearing on alleged irregularities in COVID-19 response spending went gun-shy after he expressed interest to disclose more information in a closed-door session.
Lacson confirmed to the media on Monday morning that Ong’s transfer to prison from Senate detention did not push through.
“I will say this…sa umpisang-umpisa, may pagkasinungaling at nagpapalusot ito,” Gordon said about Ong. “He could be play-acting na kunyari natataranta siya. Lumang tugtugin na ‘yan, marami nang nag-attempt na ganyan pero lumalabas ang katotohanan at palubog na siya nang palubog.”
[Translation: I will say this…from the very beginning, he has the tendency to lie and make excuses. He could be play-acting like he’s pretending to be disoriented. That’s the same old song and dance, many have already attempted to do that but the truth still comes out and he’s sinking deeper and deeper.]
The Pharmally executive sought an executive session so he can say what he could not during the public hearing, the lawmaker added.
While Ong requested to be allowed to retrieve his documents so he can provide “accurate” numbers, Lacson said they did not allow it.
Gordon ordered Ong’s prison transfer on Friday after supposedly lying during the panel’s probe into the purchase of “overpriced” COVID-19 medical supplies. Lawmakers have likewise slammed the Pharmally official for his evasive manner in answering questions during hearings.
Pharmally has been in hot water after bagging billions of pesos worth of contracts from the government despite having only ₱625,000 in capital.
CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
In a letter to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, embattled Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp. director Linconn Ong cited the advise of counsel Ferdinand Topacio, over concerns on the impartiality of the probe.
Committee chairman Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon and member Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson confirmed separately this morning that Ong wanted an executive session to reveal what he couldn’t otherwise disclose during the public hearing, said Lacson.
“This is a kangaroo forum,” said Topacio, adding some members of the Senate panel are “not out to get the truth.”
“They’re out for blood. Kaya naman unfair sa kliyente ko kung siya ang gagawing pawn, gagawing sacrificial lamb para makakuha ng dugo,” he further said.
[Translation: This is why it’s unfair to my client if he will made a pawn, a sacrificial lamb so they can get their share of blood.]
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III slammed Topacio’s remarks.
“What do they expect by threatening the Senate? That we roll over and die? Will never happen!” he said.
