Gordon insulted by Lacson's 'lecture' on reporting out Blue Ribbon Committee findings vs. PhilHealth

Senator Richard Gordon was apparently offended Wednesday by Senator Panfilo Lacson's remark that the Blue Ribbon committee may only report its findings on the plenary if it will gain majority of its members' signatures.

During the plenary session, Gordon was supposed to lay down a draft report on alleged PhilHealth irregularites based on investigation conducted by the panel last year. He said this may be incorporated with the report of the Committee of the Whole which was presented Tuesday.

However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III asked if the Blue Ribbon draft report was already filed. Gordon said it was sent to the Office of the Senate President.

"The dear gentleman from Zambales would have wanted to sponsor today although he did not get enough signatures to be able to file today but I'm sure by Monday matatapos na 'yan," Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

"It has to be read out in the order of business. What we can do is commit on Monday, first hour, we will recognize Senator Gordon to sponsor the said measure," he added.

This is when Lacson made a manifestation that seemed to have gotten on Gordon's nerves.

"That is assuming [the] majority of members of the Blue Ribbon committee will affix their signatures on the committee report," he said.

To which, Gordon replied: "I don't need to be lectured on the rules... Out of respect for the Senate President, I said we are going to submit our report and it can be [put] together and the Senate President said it is most welcome."

"Now forgive me if I assumed that was already a go signal. At the same time, yesterday, I talked to the Majority Floor Leader and he said 'you'll be first tomorrow,'" he added.

"I don't have to be threatened that 'If it will be signed by the rest of the committee.' Kung ayaw ng mga kasama natin wala akong magagawa, 'di ako mamimilit. I don't have to be insulted as if I don't know the rules," Gordon continued.

On the other hand, Lacson said his remark was not meant to insult anyone.

"It was just a statement of fact, that before we can sponsor a measure it should be signed by majority of members. It was not meant to insult Senator Gordon or anybody for that matter. We all know the rules of the Senate," he said.

Last week, Lacson said senators might be put in an awkward situation if the two panels' respective reports would clash against each other.

Sotto, for his part, said he does not see any problem in tackling the Senate Blue Ribbon draft committee's report on another day as it may actually complement the findings of the Senate Committee of the Whole.

Gordon said he would abide by the decision of Sotto and stressed that he does not mean to "steal the thunder" from anyone by laying down his findings on alleged irregularities in PhilHealth.

In the said draft report, Gordon recommended raps against former Health Secretary Janette Garin, former Budget Secretary Butch Abad, and former PhilHealth chief Alexander Padilla. It also urged the removal of PhilHealth regional vice presidents.—AOL, GMA News