Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is preparing to reopen the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects — this time, with a “very important witness” expected to reveal crucial details.
Lacson announced that the next hearing is set for November 14, just days after the committee chairmanship election on November 10.
“If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov. 10, our hearing will resume on Nov. 14. To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH officials, and errant contractors, we will invite, among others, a very important witness — and retired T/Sgt. Orly Guteza — to shed more light on his sworn statement,”
Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The name Orly Guteza first surfaced during the September 25 hearing, when Senator Rodante Marcoleta introduced him as a witness referred by former Representative Michael Defensor. Guteza claimed to have served as a security consultant for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and alleged that he personally delivered suitcases of money to Co and Leyte Representative and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Both lawmakers have strongly denied the accusations, with Romualdez dismissing the claims as “falsehood.”
Lacson shared that the Blue Ribbon Committee has already referred to the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court the matter involving the alleged falsified notarization of Guteza’s affidavit. This came after Atty. Petchie Rose Espera denied signing or taking part in the document’s preparation.
Despite recent challenges — including his temporary resignation as committee chair last October 6 following reports of “disappointment” from some senators — Lacson said he’s open to returning to the role after consulting with Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
According to Lacson, several members of the majority bloc have since expressed their support for his reinstatement.
As the November 14 hearing draws near, Lacson vowed to lead with fairness and focus on the facts, saying he will let the evidence speak for itself.
“I will be impartial,” he said. “We will go wherever the evidence leads.”
