Lacson wants flood control projects hearing on Nov. 14 with 'very important witness'

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Saturday said he will set the Senate blue ribbon committee’s next hearing on anomalous flood control projects on November 14, and will invite a “very important witness” to speed up the filing of cases, if reelected as its chairperson.

"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 'sinumpaang salaysay,'" Lacson said in a post on X.

To recall, Guteza was the "witness" presented by Senator Rodante Marcoleta at the panel's September 25 hearing. Marcoleta said Guteza was referred to him by former Representative Michael Defensor.

Guteza claimed that he is a former security consultant for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and that he personally delivered suitcases of money to the residences of Co and former Speaker and incumbent Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.

Both congressmen have denied the allegations, with Romualdez calling it as falsehood.

Lacson said the blue ribbon committee left to the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court the investigation on the possible violation in Guteza’s notarized document, after Atty. Petchie Rose Espera denied notarizing, signing or participating in the preparation of Guteza's affidavit.

Meanwhile, Lacson said he talked with Senate President Vicente Sotto III regarding his return as blue ribbon committee chair, after vacating the post last October 6 due to some members of the majority airing their supposed "disappointment" over his handling of the proceedings.

According to Lacson, many members of the majority were since quoted as wanting him to return.

The senator said he will be impartial with the investigation and go where the evidence leads. —KG, GMA Integrated News