Manila Bulletin – Draft unofficial report on flood control probe still a work in progress, Lacson says

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said Sunday, February 8, that the draft partial committee report on the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects is still being revised. A meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9, to address concerns raised by members of the majority bloc.

Flood Control Probe Report Under Revision

Lacson stated in a Radio DZBB interview that revisions are ongoing due to concerns raised during a caucus last Wednesday. He clarified, however, that changes will focus on language and not the substance of the report.

The draft report recommends plunder and malversation charges against Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva, as well as former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. It also implicates fugitive and former lawmaker Zaldy Co, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Manuel Bonoan, and several others, based on testimonies from former public works engineers.

The committee report requires 11 signatures for submission to plenary discussion. Lacson acknowledged the potential issue of lacking a signature from the minority leader, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, and stated the committee would review the rules regarding a report signed solely by the majority bloc.

“If we can’t gather 11 signatures, so be it. There’s no committee report,” Lacson said.

Lacson emphasized that the current document is a partial report and that the Blue Ribbon Committee plans to hold one or two more hearings before finalizing the complete version. The partial report does not include information from the committee’s seventh hearing.

If the final report fails to secure 11 signatures, it will be referred to the Bills and Index. Lacson also expressed openness to submitting the report as a “Chairman’s Report” to the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) if requested.

“The material evidences on the flood control anomalies came from us…And that is why cases have been filed against some individuals is because of the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings,” he stressed.

Lacson expressed hope that the majority bloc will resolve their concerns during Monday’s meeting and that enough signatures can be gathered to move forward with the report.