Former Governor Chavit Singson to Testify in Senate Flood Control Investigation
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson has formally volunteered to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, as confirmed by panel chairman and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. The investigation centers on alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the Philippines, with Singson's testimony expected to provide crucial insights into the controversy.
Voluntary Offer and Committee Acceptance
According to Senator Lacson, Singson personally delivered a letter to his office this past Monday, expressing his intention to appear before the committee. Lacson emphasized that he promptly accepted the offer after ensuring that Singson's statement would directly address the flood control project issues. Although no formal vetting or affidavit submission has been conducted yet, the panel chair asserted that the relevance of Singson's testimony to the ongoing probe is sufficient for his inclusion.
Hearing Schedule and Committee Dynamics
The committee has tentatively scheduled the next hearing for April 14, but Lacson noted that this date could be moved earlier if necessary. Meanwhile, the panel remains divided on whether to summon 18 former Marines who have claimed to have delivered P805 billion in cash from flood control project funds to various individuals. Some committee members oppose calling these ex-military personnel, fearing it could disrupt the investigation's progress.
This development marks a significant step in the Senate's efforts to uncover potential irregularities in flood control initiatives, with Singson's voluntary participation highlighting the probe's national importance. The testimony is anticipated to shed light on the financial and operational aspects of the projects under scrutiny.
