Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson clarified that individuals implicated in the alleged flood control fund irregularities will be subjected to preliminary investigation, stressing that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee does not have the authority to directly file cases in court.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee, said the committee’s role is limited to recommending cases for preliminary investigation to proper prosecutorial bodies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman.
According to Lacson, confusion arose after the committee revised the wording in its draft report from “to be charged” to “to be recommended for preliminary investigation.” He said the change does not mean that the individuals named will no longer face accountability.
“Nagkaroon ng misunderstanding yung ibang reporters kasi inalis ko lang yung word na to be charged, pinalitan lang na to be recommended. for preliminary investigation. Wala naman kaibahan yun eh,” Lacson said.
He further explained that recommending a preliminary investigation effectively initiates the process that could lead to criminal charges. The senator added that the committee cannot itself file cases, as this power rests solely with the DOJ and the Ombudsman.
According to Lacson, the revised Blue Ribbon report still identifies possible offenses, including plunder, malversation, falsification, direct bribery, violations of anti-graft laws, and breaches of ethical standards.
He emphasized that no findings or recommended offenses were removed, and that recommendations were based on testimonies, documents, and evidence presented during the hearings.
“Nandun lahat doon. Wala naman inalis doon eh. Kasi kung ano yung lumabas sa narrative, kasi nandun naman sa narrative yun eh. Tapos gumawa na recommendation based doon sa mga naganap, doon sa mga pagdinig, kung ano yung ebidensya, testimonyang lumabas doon.”
He noted that individuals with incomplete or uncorroborated evidence were instead recommended for case build-up or further fact-finding, rather than immediate preliminary investigation.
The senator also dismissed claims that the changes in wording were linked to alleged political maneuvering or threats to Senate leadership, saying the revisions were made only to address concerns raised by some colleagues about public perception.
Lacson said the final edits to the committee report have been completed and are ready to be circulated among members for signatures. The Blue Ribbon Committee has 20 members, including ex-officio members, and needs at least 11 signatures for the report to be adopted.
He confirmed that three senators, namely Sen. Migz Zubiri, Sen. JV Ejercito, and Sen. Win Gatchalian has withdrawn their signatures, citing apprehensions over the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, particularly because some lawmakers were mentioned during the hearings.
Lacson said he respects their decision and will proceed with his duty to submit and defend the report if the required number of signatures is met.
“Naiintindihan ko naman. na may mga sentimento kami dahil nga doon sa complexity at saka doon sa sensitivity ng itong pagdinig na ito, itong the whole issue.”
If the report fails to secure majority support, Lacson said he will not issue a chairman’s report but may still furnish the DOJ or Ombudsman with copies of the findings and evidence, subject to Senate leadership approval, noting that many of the records were already discussed in public hearings.
