Lacson lists plans in blue ribbon comeback

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson has bared plans on what would happen in the flood control corruption scandal probe should he be re-elected as blue ribbon chairman.

Senate President Tito Sotto earlier said Lacson will retake the committee chairmanship on Nov. 10, the resumption of Congress’ session.

READ: Senate to reelect Lacson as blue ribbon chair, expand anomalies probe - Sotto 

Once reelected, Lacson wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “[O]ur hearing will resume on Nov 14.”

Lacson quit the post as some majority senators showed disappointment on how he handled the investigation.

The committee conducted six hearings on the issue. Lacson last presided on Sept. 25.

At the time, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, the blue ribbon chairman before Lacson, brought in a surprise witness, Orly Guteza. 

“To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials and errant contractors, we will invite among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired TSgt Orly Guteza to shed more light on his ‘sinumpaang salaysay (sworn affidavit),’” Lacson wrote on X.

Guteza, who introduced himself as a former security detail to resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, linked former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in flood control kickbacks.

But Guteza’s notarized affidavit was allegedly falsified and his two former colleagues have refuted his claims.

READ: Zaldy Co aides deny Guteza claims on cash deliveries to Romualdez 

With his affidavit in question, Romualdez, the presidential cousin, was not included in the National Bureau of Investigation’s list of people recommended to be charged.

Romualdez faced the Independent Commission for Infrastructure in a closed-door hearing on Oct. 14, where he denied involvement in corruption, particularly that he allegedly received suitcases of cash.