Lacson Urges Fellow Senators to Sign Blue Ribbon Committee's Partial Report on Flood Control Anomalies
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has issued a public appeal to his colleagues in the Senate, urging them to sign the partial report prepared by the Blue Ribbon Committee concerning alleged irregularities in flood control projects. This call to action comes after the document garnered only four signatures, falling significantly short of the required threshold for further legislative action.
Current Signatories and Required Support
In an official statement, Lacson revealed that apart from himself, the only senators who have signed the report are Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Kiko Pangilinan. He emphasized that a minimum of nine signatures is necessary to formally file and discuss the report in the Senate plenary. Lacson stressed that the report remains open to interpellation and amendments from his fellow senators, who are encouraged to ask questions and propose changes as needed.
Risk of Report Being Archived
The senator issued a stark warning: if the report fails to collect sufficient signatures before Congress adjourns in June, it could be rendered moot. In such a scenario, the document might be archived and never debated, effectively halting progress on the investigation. Lacson highlighted that many of the report's recommendations, including subjecting certain individuals to investigation, have already been implemented or are currently being addressed by other agencies.
Individuals Named in the Report
The report specifically mentions several high-profile figures recommended for investigation, such as Joel Villanueva, Francis Escudero, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Notably, the Office of the Ombudsman is reportedly preparing to file plunder charges against Romualdez and Escudero in connection with the issue, adding urgency to the Senate's deliberations.
Lacson's Defense and Call for Cooperation
Lacson firmly denied allegations that he is covering up any aspects of the investigation. He asserted that he is merely fulfilling his duty, even if it has upset or annoyed some colleagues who are subject to the report's preliminary investigation recommendations. Despite the controversies, Lacson expressed hope that cooperation will prevail in the Senate to advance the report and hold accountable those involved in the alleged flood control project anomalies.
