Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday criticized the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s partial report on the flood control controversy, describing it as “severely lacking” and incomplete.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, Marcos said the report failed to address key testimonies, including retired Marine serviceman Orly Guteza, who has been identified as an alleged bagman of former congressman Elizaldy Co, as well as 18 individuals who claimed to be former Marines and former security escorts.
“Ayaw pakinggan yung mabibigat na testigo, si Guteza, yung 18 Marines, talagang naisangtabi na,” Marcos said.
“Tapos pinagpipilitan na pirmahan daw namin yung report. Yung report naman, bitin na bitin,” he added.
Marcos had earlier expressed "disappointment" in the minority that the Senate probe’s failure to tackle allegations raised by the group of former Marines.
During the interview, she also questioned what she called the “new language” being used by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and members of the House of Representatives, particularly regarding the term “allocables.”
Lacson has described “allocables” as a possible new form of ”pork barrel,” though he admitted he does not fully understand the concept. Marcos said she had raised the issue during hearings but has since ”lost interest” in the Blue Ribbon Committee proceedings.
“Parang ganoon, ‘yung mga allocables, talagang wala akong maintindihan. May bagong lengguwahe ang DPWH at saka ‘yung congressman. Tinatanong ko nga yan eh nung hearing. Kaso, tinamad na ako sa Blue Ribbon eh. Sa totoo lang,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lacson said the committee’s partial report has so far gathered six signatures after two more senators endorsed it. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Senator Erwin Tulfo signed the report as of Wednesday.
At least nine signatures are required before the report can be formally filed and presented on the Senate floor for deliberation, amendments, and possible adoption.
Lacson, along with Senators Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, and Kiko Pangilinan, had earlier signed the document.
Other members of the Blue Ribbon Committee include Senators JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, Rodante Marcoleta, Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Marcos, and Robinhood Padilla.
Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano serve as ex-officio members.
Estrada and Joel Villanueva, who have been linked to the controversy, have denied any wrongdoing.
Padilla, a member of the minority bloc, has said he would sign the report if directed by the minority leader.
