'Very important witness' to appear in next flood control probe hearing —Lacson

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ping Lacson on Tuesday said that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) invited a “very important” witness for the resumption of its probe on alleged anomalous flood control projects set for November 14.

This, as Lacson expressed willingness to return as chairperson of the committee following his resignation amid the legislative inquiry into the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

At the Kapihan sa Senado, Lacson said he already told Senate President Vicente Sotto III he would retain chairmanship of the powerful committee should he be elected by his colleagues.

“If elected, sige. Sinabi ko na kay SP [Tito Sotto III], I’ll accept,” Lacson said.

(If elected, yes. I already told SP that I’ll accept the reelection.)

Last month, Sotto confirmed that Lacson agreed to return as BRC chairperson, adding the latter will be re-elected during the resumption of the Senate session on Monday, November 10, 2025. Sotto also said the panel will likewise hold legislative hearings on other alleged anomalous government infrastructure projects.

Lacson resigned as BRC chair on October 6, citing the dissatisfaction of other senators on the "direction" of the legislative inquiry on the substandard and ghost flood control projects.

Following his resignation, Senator Erwin Tulfo, vice chairman of the committee, was named as the acting chairperson of the panel. 

'Wrap'

Lacson, meanwhile, said the next witness may shed more light on the controversy and has vital information that could “wrap up what we needed to know to prosecute and convict.”

“Pina-finalize ko ang affidavit within the week. Base sa kwento at mga dapat evidence na documents – ledger, digital files, notes – sabi ko sa kanya kung magme-mention lang ng pangalan na walang supporta na dokumento, wag na lang kasi baka makasira pa ng tao,” said Lacson.

(I asked him to finalize the affidavit within the week. His statement is based on documents so I told him to refrain from naming someone without any evidence.)

“Maski may personal knowledge, kung walang supporting documents, wag na lang mag-banggit,” he added.

(Even if he has personal knowledge, I told him not to implicate someone without supporting documents.)

According to Lacson, the Senate blue ribbon committee may hold at least two to three more hearings before ending its probe into the anomalous flood control projects and move to other government infrastructure projects. —VAL, GMA Integrated News