Senator Imee Marcos and Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday dismissed the stern "shut the F up" warning issued by Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, stating they do not feel targeted by the remark despite their vocal criticisms of the ongoing Blue Ribbon Committee investigation into the national flood control mess.
The friction stems from Lacson’s statements on Monday, where he slammed individuals allegedly insulting the Senate’s inquiry.
Lacson had asserted that "noise will not silence the truth" and warned that such interference would not help indict those responsible for the multi-billion peso controversy.
‘No Kings or Queens’
Asked for her reaction during a joint press conference, Senator Marcos maintained that the remark could not have been directed at her, citing the independent nature of the chamber.
“Sa palagay ko, hindi naman ako yun. Kasi alam ng kahit sinong senador na hindi pwedeng utusan ang kapwa nilang senador sa Senado,” Marcos said.
“Hindi naman pwede mag-hari-harian o mag-reyna-reynahan,” she added.
Senator Marcoleta also echoed the sentiment, briefly stating, “Sa palagay ko, hindi rin ako yun. At alam ko hindi ako ang pinatutungkulan. I don't feel alluded to.”
The briefing also touched upon the conduct of yesterday’s Senate Blue Ribbon hearing, specifically why Marcoleta did not pursue lines of questioning regarding Undersecretary Trygve’s alleged links to Undersecretary Bernardo and businessman Maynard Ngu.
Marcoleta explained that he intentionally held back to avoid being labeled as "noisy" or disruptive, expecting other members of the committee to take the lead. He expressed surprise that Usec. Bernardo did not react when his credibility was challenged by Usec. Trygve.
"Usec. Bernardo is already admitted under the Witness Protection Program (WPP)," Marcoleta pointed out. "If a witness is a liar and stays silent, they might be discharged as a witness. They wouldn't be able to defend the state’s case."
The ‘Restitution’ Debate
Marcoleta further clarified his stance on contractor Discaya, who has been a central figure in the probe. He denied allegations that he is merely "defending" the contractor, asserting that he is interested in any witness brave enough to come forward.
“Palagi kasing sinasabi ng iba, si Marcoleta, palagi niyang dinidepensa si Discaya. Mali po 'yun. I'm only trying to point out na gusto kong gamitin kahit sino.”
He also took aim at the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the conditions for WPP admission, specifically the issue of "restitution" being demanded from potential witnesses.
"There is a problem because the DOJ is insisting on restitution," Marcoleta argued.
He noted that while the current Senate President has leaned on the Justice Secretary, who ”floated the idea” that witnesses must pay back what was allegedly stolen. Marcoleta maintains "that isn't in the law."
"We need to get more of these people [to testify]," Marcoleta added, emphasizing that legal requirements should not be used to hinder witnesses who wish to assist the state.
