Senate President Pro Tempore and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Sen. Ping Lacson confirmed plans to reinvite former congressman Zaldy Co to the resumption of the Senate hearing on flood control projects.
Lacson clarified that the invitation will only proceed once he secures enough signatures to bring the committee’s partial report to the Senate plenary.
He also said that the show cause order previously issued against Co remains pending, noting that Co has yet to respond since January.
Lacson explained that the Senate cannot simply issue a warrant of arrest against Co at this time. He cited a Supreme Court ruling requiring that individuals must first be given an opportunity to explain their side before any arrest can be made.
The Senate hearing is part of an ongoing investigation into issues surrounding flood control projects.
Meanwhile, Lacson also referenced a joint affidavit executed by 18 former Marines. In the affidavit, the individuals claimed that they were previously employed by Co.
According to the affidavit, the former Marines alleged that they were instructed to deliver items described as “garbage,” which were allegedly suitcases containing money, to certain personalities. Among those mentioned was former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The affidavit further alleged that Co’s residence in Valle Verde 6, Pasig City, was used as a drop-off point for money and as a location where accounting of funds allegedly took place.
Lacson did not provide further details on when the hearing would resume but emphasized that procedural requirements must be followed before additional actions are taken against individuals involved in the inquiry.
The Senate continues to review evidence related to the investigation as it prepares for the possible continuation of the hearings.
