WHEN THE SENATE Blue Ribbon Committee reconvenes on November 14, a “very important witness” will be taking the hot seat for his testimony over the flood control scandal, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson who is expected to reassume its committee chairmanship soon.
Lacson, who earlier stepped down as lead chair of the committee amid bickerings from fellow legislators, is expected to assume his post.
“To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials and errant contractors, we will invite, among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired Philippine Marine Sergeant Orly Guteza to expound on his previous testimony,” reads Lacson’s post on X social media platform.
IMMINENT FACE-OFF
Without delving into details, Lacson said that the testimony of the “very important witness” in the upcoming hearing would be “crucial in establishing a solid foundation” for potential criminal charges arising from the alleged misuse of flood control funds.
Guteza previously tagged former House Speaker Martin Romualdez into the flood control scandal. He was presented by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who claimed that the witness was referred to him by former Anakalusugan sectoral representative Michael Defensor.
Interestingly, Romualdez is the first cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In his testimony, Guteza claimed that he delivered several suitcases of cash—allegedly referred to as “basura” (trash)—to the residences of resigned Ako Bicol partylist congressman Zaldy Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
BLINDFOLD MENTALITY
In heeding calls to reassume as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson vowed to spare no one — not even his peers at the higher legislative chamber.
“I intend to lead the investigation with a blindfold mentality. There will be no bias, no political color—only evidence and accountability,” he assured.
Senate President Vicente said that Lacson, who served as the country’s top cop before entering politics, must have realized the need to “continue what he started” and that the Senate leadership agreed on his return after a series of internal discussions.
Several senators have since voiced their support for Lacson, saying the probe’s credibility would be strengthened under his leadership.
HEEDING PUBLIC CLAMOR
Lacson’s renewed push for the investigation coincided with his call for a broader, more inclusive fight against corruption—one that protects not only the business community but also ordinary Filipino taxpayers who have long been burdened by the 12-percent value-added tax imposed by the government.
“I couldn’t agree more with the business sector except that they should not only be speaking on their behalf but for the tens of millions of individual taxpayers, including every Filipino who cannot escape the 12 percent VAT or consumer tax that we all pay,” Lacson enthused in reference to a joint resolution by 34 business groups urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take “swift, decisive action” against corruption.
The business groups described corruption as not just a financial loss but a “fatal breach of public trust,” and recommended more resolute action, such as empowering the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), ensuring restitution of stolen funds and prosecuting offenders regardless of rank or political affiliation.