Lacson to Present ‘Very Important Witness’ in Senate Blue Ribbon Probe on Anomalous Flood Control Projects

A very important witness is set to reveal new information before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson disclosed that he will present a “very important” witness when the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumes its investigation into irregular flood control projects.

Lacson said that if he is re-elected as committee chairman, he plans to hold the next hearing on November 14, where the key witness will be invited to help expedite the filing of solid cases against several corrupt politicians, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and contractors.

He added that retired T/Sgt. Orly Guteza, who previously testified before the committee on September 25 upon the introduction of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, will also be invited.

“If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov. 10, our hearing will resume on Nov. 14. To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH officials, and errant contractors, we will invite, among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired T/Sgt. Orly Guteza to shed more light on his ‘sworn affidavit,’” Lacson said in a post on X.

In Guteza’s testimony, he claimed to have delivered suitcases filled with money — which they allegedly called “trash” — to the homes of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez has denied the allegations.

The Blue Ribbon Committee referred the possible violation of Guteza’s notarized affidavit to the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court after Atty. Petchie Rose Espera denied notarizing, signing, or taking part in the preparation of Guteza’s affidavit.

Meanwhile, Lacson mentioned that he had discussed with Senate President Vicente Sotto III the possibility of regaining the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon Committee after stepping down on October 6 following expressions of “disappointment” from some majority members over how he handled previous hearings.