Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson confirmed on Tuesday that a new hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, focusing on the probe into anomalous flood control projects, is tentatively scheduled for November 14.

The schedule is still subject to coordination with Finance Committee Chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Lacson said during the "Kapihan sa Senado" that the Friday hearing will proceed if the necessary adjustments are approved.

He also revealed that the committee expects the testimony of a “very important witness,” whose account could help finalize the investigation and support possible prosecutions.

“The testimony is important because it could cover all that needs to be known for the prosecution, possibly leading to convictions,” Lacson said.

He added that the witness may disclose new information not previously revealed by earlier witnesses.

Regarding affidavits, Lacson said the witness has yet to submit any.

“We are finalizing the affidavit this week. We need supporting evidence—documents, ledgers, digital files. If a name is mentioned without proof, it should not be included, because it could unfairly affect a person’s life,” he explained.

Lacson also clarified that recent reviews of CCTV footage from September 25 were meant to identify potential contacts who could corroborate the witness’s statements—not to surveil any senator.

The SP Pro Tempore further stated that coordination with other lawmakers, including Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Senator Bato de la Rosa, is ongoing to validate testimonies and evidence, particularly involving former Congressman Zaldy Co.

“From my experience as an investigator, one person’s word alone is not enough to stand in court. We need corroboration,” Lacson said.

He confirmed that the committee plans to call additional witnesses, including the key individual Orly Guteza, and possibly others allegedly located abroad, to ensure testimonies are fully supported by evidence.

On whether witnesses like 'Mark' and 'Paul' (allegedly formerly involved with Zaldy Co) will be summoned, Lacson confirmed they are included in the committee’s plans, particularly to strengthen the ongoing investigation and maintain the integrity of the hearings.

“Where the evidence leads us, we will follow. Nothing will change from my original direction as chairman,” Lacson concluded.