Sen. Rodante Marcoleta criticized Senate President Pro Tempore and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Sen. Ping Lacson over the condition set for the resumption of hearings on the flood control controversy.
Marcoleta questioned Lacson’s decision to resume the hearing only after securing sufficient signatures for a partial committee report and presenting it to the Senate plenary.
In an earlier statement, Lacson said the committee would continue the flood control investigation once enough signatures were gathered to support the partial report. He added that bringing the report to the plenary was necessary before scheduling another hearing.
Marcoleta said he could not understand why Lacson needed to impose such a condition, saying it appeared as if members were being compelled to sign the partial report before proceedings could continue.
He also questioned why certain resource speakers were not presented during previous hearings. Marcoleta cited former governor Chavit Singson as among those willing to testify but who had not yet appeared before the committee.
According to Marcoleta, the Blue Ribbon Committee chairman has a responsibility to the public to ensure that the truth surrounding the flood control controversy is fully disclosed.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has been conducting hearings related to alleged irregularities involving flood control projects. The inquiry seeks to examine issues tied to the planning, funding, and implementation of flood control measures.
Marcoleta said continuing the hearings without unnecessary conditions would help promote transparency and accountability in addressing the issues raised during the investigation.
