Lacson: Zaldy Co to be invited to attend flood control hearing via Zoom

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday said that former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co will be invited to attend the next blue ribbon committee hearing into the anomalous flood control projects through a video conferencing platform. 

Lacson, who is expected to return as chairman of the blue ribbon panel, explained that if Co cannot physically go to a Philippine embassy to attend the next hearing slated on Friday, November 14, he can affirm his affidavit through a consul on another day.

“Si Zaldy Co, we’re extending our invitation kung pupwede siyang mag-participate via Zoom. Of course, kung nasa abroad siya, as we all know, most probably he's abroad, so hindi magiging valid ang kanyang testimony unless nandoon siya sa premises ng Philippine Embassy doon sa lugar na kinaroroonan niya,” Lacson said in an ambush interview.

(We're extending our invitation to Zaldy Co if he can participate via Zoom. Of course, if he is abroad, as we all know, most probably he's abroad, so his testimony will not be valid unless he is in the premises of the Philippine Embassy in the country where he is.) 

“If not, pwede naman siyang mag-testify and then, pwedeng after the testimony, pwede niyang ipa-affirm ‘yung nilalaman ng kanyang salaysay, ‘yung kanyang testimony sa isang consul kung nasaan siya naroroon,” he added. 

(If not, he can testify first, and then after that, he can have his affidavit, his testimony affirmed by a consul where he is.) 

Lacson also emphasized that he has no current communications with Co, and the invitation will only be sent to his address. 

He also said that 17 other congressmen, plus Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, will be invited to the next blue ribbon hearing. 

“After the elections this afternoon, we’ll buckle down to work and then kasama doon ‘yung pagpapadala ng invitation through the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Siya (Martin Romualdez), plus ‘yung 17 congressmen mentioned by the Discaya couple, including Congressman Eric Yap,” Lacson said. 

(After the elections this afternoon, we'll buckle down to work, and then we'll be sending the invitations through the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Romualdez, plus the 17 congressmen mentioned by the Discaya couple, including Congressman Eric Yap, will be invited.) 

In September, contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya disclosed the names of several congressmen, their staff, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who are allegedly involved in corruption in the country’s flood control projects.

Lacson said that should he be reelected as chairman of the blue ribbon committee, the flood control hearing may resume on November 14 after being halted for over a month. 

“I already talked to the Senate President to request Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to vacate Friday, November 14, to give way to the resumption of the hearing of the blue ribbon committee,” he said. 

“All systems go unless may pressing matter si Senator Sherwin,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News