Ping Lacson: Chairman's report to restart Senate flood control project hearings

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said he would present the progress report on the investigation into the flood control controversy when Congress resumes its session next week.

Lacson said his privilege speech will pave the way for the resumption of the flood control hearings, as he continues to seek enough signatures for the partial committee report. 

“I will present it via a privilege speech entitled 'The Chairman’s FCP (flood control projects) Progress Report.' At least kung privilege speech, since ayaw magpirma ng ibang members, I don’t have to consult them,” the senator said in a statement. 

(At least if I give a privilege speech, since other members don't want to sign, I don't have to consult them anymore.) 

So far, the partial committee report on the flood control mess has been signed by Lacson, Senators Erwin Tulfo, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. 

The partial report has to get at least nine signatures from the committee members before it can be filed and sponsored by Lacson on the floor. 

Lacson said that the chairman's progress report includes certain contents of the partial report, which may be shared with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman once delivered in plenary. 

“I’ll be able to share the report and our recommendations with the Ombudsman since magiging public record na ‘yan after I have presented it by way of a privilege speech. Sayang kasi—para mapakinabangan ang evidence kesa mapanis lang,” he explained.

(I'll be able to share the report and recommendations with the Ombudsman since it would become a public record after I present it as a privilege speech. It would be a waste if the evidence in the report would not be used.) 

Romualdez invite?

Lacson also responded to the call of Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta to invite former Speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to the next hearing on the flood control mess.

Lacson reiterated that the committee already invited Romualdez to its hearings twice, following the time-honored tradition of inter-parliamentary courtesy between the Senate and the House of Representatives, but the former House leader refused to show up.

“Mula pa nung unang nagbukas ang Philippine Congress under a bicameral system, umiiral na ang inter-parliamentary courtesy between the two chambers,” he said.

(Ever since the Philippine Congress opened under a bicameral system, there has been an inter-parliamentary courtesy between the two chambers.) 

“Kaya nga time-honored tradition ang tawag. Hindi pa rin ba pumapasok sa bumbunan niya ‘yun?”

(That's why inter-parliamentary courtesy is considered a time-honored tradition. Hasn’t that still gotten into his head?) 

Lacson said the only “exception” to the tradition would be when House members voluntarily appear before Senate hearings, like in the cases of Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco and Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, who both appeared before the committee earlier. 

Marcoleta, who previously chaired the Blue Ribbon panel, expressed belief that Romualdez is “ready to talk” about what he knows regarding the flood control controversy. 

“Dapat siyang ipatawag ngayon. Kung susumahin mo ‘yun, ang Blue Ribbon, ang gagawin niya, i-analyze niya, malinaw na malinaw, na sa public statement ni former Speaker Martin Romualdez, he's ready to talk,” Marcoleta said. 

(He should be invited now. The Blue Ribbon should analyze what he said. It’s very clear in Romualdez’ statement that he's ready to talk.) 

Romualdez denied any role in the corruption related to the 2025 national budget, stressing there is no evidence that proves that he committed plunder, conspiracy to commit plunder, or any similar offense that the Ombudsman may be contemplating against him. –