‘Very important witness’ to pin down new, old names in flood control probe - Lacson

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is counting on a “very important witness” to tie up loose ends in the flood control probe and implicate new and previously identified government officials.

Lacson, who is expected to return as chairman of the blue ribbon committee next week, did not go into detail and only guaranteed that the testimony would be explosive.

“Importante kasi pwedeng ma-wrap up yung lahat ng kailangang malaman patungo pati sa prosecution at saka conviction,” Lacson said during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

[Translation: It’s important because everything that needs to be established can be wrapped up here, leading toward prosecution and eventual conviction.]

He said the witness is finalizing the affidavit to be presented at the next hearing, initially scheduled for Nov. 14. Lacson said the date could still change depending on the schedule of plenary debates on the 2026 national budget.

Lacson said he instructed the witness to name only people directly implicated by documents and evidence.

Controversial witness Orly Guteza - who earlier claimed he delivered suitcases of cash to then House Speaker Martin Romualdez as the security aide of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co - will also be issued a subpoena.

Guteza has not been seen publicly since he was presented by Senator Rodante Marcoleta during the blue ribbon hearing on Sept. 25.

Lacson said Guteza’s disappearance is concerning, adding that if he is deliberately avoiding the hearings, it would cast doubt on the motive behind his testimony.

“Ganito lang yan. Kung ang hangad mo, magprosecute talaga, makapagpa-convict talaga, dapat hindi siya mawawala,” Lacson said.

“Kung ang intention mo ay magproganda lang, diyan ka sa Blue Ribbon at mawala ka na,” he added.

[Translation: It’s simple. If your goal is really to prosecute and secure a conviction, then you shouldn’t disappear. But if your intention is just propaganda, then you show up at the blue ribbon and vanish after that.]

Lacson said Romualdez will be invited to the next hearing through House Speaker Bojie Dy, so he could air his side. He will not be summoned out of parliamentary courtesy.

Co will be subpoenaed and issued an arrest order if he refuses to show up.

Both Romualdez and Co have denied involvement in budget insertions and kickbacks from flood control projects amid the ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers - Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza - as well as contractor Curlee Discaya, will remain in Senate detention for contempt. Lacson said this could last until the 20th Congress adjourns sine die in 2028 unless a court orders their transfer or release.

Lacson said the Senate’s flood control probe can be wrapped up after one or two hearings, allowing the panel to investigate irregularities in other infrastructure projects such as farm to market roads.