Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday admitted it was painful to see fellow senators implicated in the anomalous flood control projects, but stressed that the Senate investigation must remain evidence-driven.
“Hindi nakakatuwa ito na ang mga kasamahan namin na-involve. At ito ang sinasabi natin. Masakit man pero lagi kong sinasabi kung saan kami dadalhin ng evidence doon kami pupunta,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
He emphasized that the Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, is committed to fairness and integrity, vowing not to target or shield anyone.
“Fair is fair. Kaya mine-maintain ko may integrity ang ginagawang pagdinig ng blue ribbon committee, in fairness to members who are actively participating,” he said.
Lacson acknowledged the difficulty for senators actively participating in the hearings but underscored that the panel’s duty is to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
“Masakit sa amin yan, sa akin particularly. At nararamdaman din ito ng ilang member na regularly and actively nagpa-participate. Pero wala tayong magagawa,” he said. “Kung mag-investigate tayo, mainly in aid of legislation, para pagtakpan ang ibang personalities eh huwag na lang tayo mag-imbestiga.”
He also highlighted the committee’s coordination with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, noting that evidence and testimonies gathered have already been shared with prosecutors.
“Kaya sila nakakuha ng sapat na evidence para makapag-establish ng probable cause kaya ngayon may arrest warrants na lumabas,” Lacson said.