Ex-DPWH exec Pacanan criticized for hiding face during Senate inquiry

Senators on Monday criticized a former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways for concealing his face while testifying as a resource person before a legislative inquiry on the flood control anomalies.

Former DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director Gerald Pacanan faced the Senate Blue Ribbon committee wearing a white hooded jacket and a yellow face mask.

His appearance was flagged by lawmakers including Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who questioned his reason for hiding his face.

"Excuse me, matanong ko lang, bakit ba kayo nakatalukbong kung hindi naman kayo testigo?" Lacson asked Pacanan.

(May I ask why you were covering up when you are not a witness?)

Pacanan explained this was upon his request but Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said he sees "no valid reason" for the request and aired concerns it might set a bad precedent for future Senate committee hearings.

"It is my request po. As the good Chair stated a while ago, for my protection and security po," Pacanan said.

"The main reason Mr. Chair, I am begging the indulgence of the good senators for my protection since the case is still pending before the Sandiganbayan and there's no judgement over it. I'll be incriminated with whatever action against me," he added.

The Senate panel rejected Pacanan’s request and asked him to remove his mask and to reveal his face. 

Pacanan is among the DPWH officials the Ombudsman charged with corruption and malversation alongside former Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in connection with the alleged anomalous P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. — RF, GMA Integrated News