The October 8 Senate Blue Ribbon hearing to continue the inquiry into corruption in flood control projects has been cancelled ‘until further notice,’, according to panel chairman Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, citing several reasons.
Only the one for Oct 8 is cancelled, but the inquiry is not being suspended, his office clarified in response to reporters. This, as speculation – with apparently pro-Duterte camps fueling it – swirled anew, there may be attempts by some quarters to shield former Speaker Martin Romualdez from the fallout.
Lacson had earlier vowed there would be no cover-up and no party, no matter how powerful, would be shielded. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero, in a lengthy, scathing speech last week, had denounced what he saw as the apparent direction of all investigations – to stop before it reaches the former speaker. Escudero accused Romualdez of being behind a ‘script’ that would pin down several senators and other personalities in the ghost and substandard flood-control projects that caused billions in tax money to be plundered.
In a text message shared with reporters on Saturday, Lacson said, ‘Initially, I had scheduled a hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8, upon the request of Sen JV Ejercito to summon former DPWH RD IVB Paçanan.
‘To maximize the discussions, I checked with the DOJ if the supposed ‘tell-all’ affidavit/s of the Discayas were already available. Corollary to that, I also checked with the office of the executive judge of Manila RTC if they have concluded the investigation on the possible violations of the notarized document involving TSgt [Orly] Guteza and Atty Espera,’ Lacson added.
‘Having been informed that both would not be ready within one week, not to mention that the BRC hearing will conflict with the budget and CA [Commission on Appointment] hearings, I informed SP Sotto of the cancellation until further notice,’ the Senate President Pro Tempore said.
The affidavit of Guteza, whose BRC testimony became controversial because he was brought in by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta without even informing Lacson, became the subject of an investigation of the RTC court after the lawyer whose name was listed as the notary public in his statement claimed her name was used without her consent.
Senate sources explained that even if the chamber adjourns for recess as scheduled on October 10, they can still conduct committee hearings. Only the plenary session is suspended.