Lacson Clarifies: No Intent to Implicate Romualdez in Flood Control Probe
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, has made a clear statement regarding the ongoing investigation into a flood control anomaly. He emphasized that there is no attempt to implicate House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the probe, following the appearance of two witnesses who alleged connections between the former House Speaker and contractor Curlee Discaya.
Insufficient Evidence Cited
During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, Lacson explained that the testimonies provided by the two witnesses are insufficient to link Romualdez to the alleged irregularities. He described the information as merely a lead, not solid evidence that warrants further action against the House Speaker at this time.
Contractor Denies Allegations
Adding to the clarification, contractor Curlee Discaya has firmly denied any alleged connections to Romualdez. Discaya stated that he has never visited South Forbes Park and has no knowledge of the properties there, which were mentioned in the testimonies. This denial further weakens the basis for implicating Romualdez, according to Lacson.
Key Points from the Hearing
- Senator Lacson stressed that the committee is focused on gathering facts, not targeting individuals without proof.
- The witnesses' claims are being treated as preliminary leads that require more verification.
- Discaya's denial has been noted as a significant factor in the current assessment of the evidence.
This development highlights the cautious approach taken by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in handling sensitive investigations, ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly examined before any conclusions are drawn.