Sen. Ping Lacson Speaks on Senate’s Draft and Partial Flood Control Report
LACSON
– The Senate President Pro Tempore confirmed that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may recommend flood control charges versus senators Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada.
The Senate continued with its investigation on the supposed multi-billion flood control issue even after the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The ICI was created upon an executive order. In the Senate, the flood control probe is led by the Blue Ribbon Committee.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is chaired by Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson who previously resigned from his position due to the alleged dissatisfaction of some of his colleagues over the path of the probe. It was in October last year when Senate Pres.
Tito Sotto confirmed Lacson’s return as the Blue Ribbon chairman
Amid the flood control probe, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has invited several congressmen and contractors who are allegedly involved in the flood control mess. Recently, rumors about the supposed flood control report of the Senate circulated on social media. The chamber is allegedly recommending the filing of charges against some senators.
According to Lacson, it is possible that the committee will recommend the filing of charges against senators Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada. Escudero was the Senate President when the flood control issue broke out and he’s one of the accused in the budget insertion mess.
Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada were accused by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engineer Brice Hernandez of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control deals. Based on the post, the report may also suggest the filing of flood control charges against former Sen. Bong Revilla, former House member Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan lawmaker Mitch Cajayon-Uy.
Former Sen. Bong Revilla is now detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas over an alleged ghost flood control project. Both Senators Estrada and Villanueva deny the allegations against them.
Based on the
post
, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said that only (4) senators have already signed on the draft and unofficial flood control report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. A total of 15 signatures are needed to bring the report to the plenary.
Previously, there was a claim that
Zaldy Co was allegedly not allowed by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to testify on the flood control scam