7 senators have signed Blue Ribbon's partial flood control report —Lacson

Only two signatures are now needed for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to sponsor and present to the Plenary its partial report on the flood control controversy, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said Tuesday.

"Seven as of yesterday...Senator Raffy Tulfo," Lacson told reporters in an ambush interview.

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. Other legislators who have so far affixed their signatures included Lacson, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, and Senators Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Erwin Tulfo, and Kiko Pangilinan.

During the Plenary, Lacson delivered a progress report on the investigation into the flood control mess. He previously said the privilege speech would pave the way for the resumption of the legislative inquiry as he continues to seek enough signatures for the partial committee report.

"To date, almost three months have passed, only seven including the present Chairperson and the Senate President, have affxed our signatures to this draft. I therefore thank our colleagues...who had signed the partial committee report and while I disagree with those who have not, let me state for the record Mr. President that I respect their decision even as I understand whatever reasons they have for not signing," Lacson said in his privilege speech.

"Botton line: it is their right as Senators of the Republic," he added.

While he respects their decision, the senator also said he will be reserving the right to address and interpellate the privilege speech pending its sponsorship.

"Dalawa na lang po, two or three more at puwede nang i-file sa Bills and Index Division ng Senado ang partial committee report. Until then, I am not yet yielding the floor," said Lacson.

(We only need two signatures. Two or three more and we can file the report to the Senate Bills and Index Division. Until then, I am not yet yielding the floor.)

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who tried to interpellate Lacson, called out the Senate panel chairperson for putting a "precondition" before entertaining questions on the report.

Sotto, however, explained: "It is the prerogative of any member of the Senate to yield or not yield."

In March, Lacson said the Blue Ribbon Committee's partial report on the flood control controversy could be placed in the archives if the panel fails to secure enough signatures by the time the 20th Congress adjourns sine die on June 5, 2026. — BM, GMA News