The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has put the brakes on its planned hearing into alleged anomalous flood control projects, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson confirmed on Saturday.
Originally, the next hearing was set for October 8. But Lacson explained that key documents, including a much-anticipated “tell-all” affidavit, are not yet ready. On top of that, the schedule clashed with budget deliberations and other Senate sessions.
“To maximize the discussions, I checked with the DOJ and the Manila RTC regarding the documents we need,” Lacson said in a message to reporters. “Since both would not be ready within the week, and with conflicts in the Senate calendar, I informed Senate President Sotto that the hearing is cancelled until further notice.”
The cancellation has stirred confusion within the Senate. Senator Imee Marcos voiced frustration, saying there were talks that the Blue Ribbon Committee might skip hearings altogether and instead release a partial report.
“We’re confused. The word is there won’t be any more hearings, just a report. Was something discussed in the majority caucus?” Marcos asked.
Lacson was quick to respond, advising Marcos to attend the committee’s hearings rather than rely on hearsay.
The senator also revealed that resigned Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez remain on the committee’s radar. Both have been linked to the questionable projects but have denied any wrongdoing.
Lacson said Co, who is reportedly abroad, will be sent an invitation. “If he refuses to appear, we will issue a subpoena, then a show-cause order. If his explanation is unsatisfactory, we’ll cite him in contempt and issue a warrant of arrest,” Lacson warned.
As for Romualdez, Lacson said the invitation will go through Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, respecting the traditional courtesy between the Senate and House of Representatives.
For now, the fate of the probe remains uncertain. The questions are piling up, the pressure is rising, and the public is left waiting—wondering if the truth behind the alleged anomalies will ever be uncovered.
