Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said he is examining the credibility and timing of a joint affidavit released by 18 former marines who allegedly worked for former congressman Zaldy Co.
Lacson said he has long followed a practice of reviewing both the source and reliability of information whenever affidavits surface. After reading the document, he said he found several narratives that he considers questionable.
Among the points he cited was the claim that P805 billion allegedly went to Co. Lacson said the amount appeared excessive, noting that it would represent about 70% of the total appropriation for flood control projects in that particular year.
He added that if the amount cited in the affidavit were accurate, questions would arise about what funds were supposedly given to other officials, including former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara.
Lacson also raised concerns about the timing of the affidavit’s public release. He noted that allegations that funds were used for the International Criminal Court surfaced around the same period as the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte and on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Given these circumstances, Lacson said the developments appear to carry possible political color or a destabilization aspect, based on his observation.
For now, the senator said he is waiting for the resolution of Sen. Imee Marcos to be read in the Senate plenary. He said this will help determine which committee will handle the matter and what specific panel may conduct an investigation into the allegations contained in the affidavit.
