Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee found no evidence linking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Lacson, who chairs the committee, said their investigation did not establish any presidential accountability, stressing that the President’s role is limited to approving the General Appropriations Act (GAA) once it reaches Malacañang.
“Wala kaming makita na may pananagutan ang Pangulo batay sa imbestigasyon ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
He explained that the President does not take part in drafting the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which is prepared by Congress.
“Kasi ang Presidente, nag-a-approve talaga ng GAA kapag napunta sa kanya. Hindi naman siya ang nag-prepare ng GAB,” he added.
Lacson said issues on possible presidential liability should instead be addressed by the House Committee on Justice, which had earlier dismissed an impeachment complaint against Marcos.
“It is better left to the appreciation of the House Committee on Justice kasi dinismiss na nila ang kaso. Ako, personally, wala akong alam sa nilalaman ng impeachment complaint,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lacson noted that the committee’s draft partial report on the flood control issue is still being revised. He said majority senators are set to meet again on Monday, February 9, to address concerns raised during their caucus.
“Nag-caucus kami nung Wednesday, may concerns silang nailabas kinonsider ko naman kaya work in progress pag-revise,” Lacson said.