Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo Lacson is set to re-extend an invitation to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for the panel’s upcoming inquiry into the flood control controversy.
The decision comes after Romualdez released a video message suggesting he possesses information regarding individuals involved in the alleged anomalies.
Lacson emphasized that the former Speaker’s participation is now vital to clarify the claims circulating within the investigation.
“As long as may information na kailangan ang kanyang participation and it seems that way na meron talaga siyang kailangang linawin lalo pa nga’t may nilabas siyang mensahe, we’ll keep inviting him,” Lacson stated during a radio interview.
The veteran lawmaker underscored the necessity of a “face-to-face” encounter involving Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and the ex-soldiers who previously testified about delivering kickbacks to high-profile figures.
According to Lacson, observing the physical reactions and responses of all parties simultaneously is a proven method for discerning the truth.
“Hindi ako huwes pero base sa aking karanasan na rin sa investigation and intelligence, importante ang maobserbahan mo ang demeanor… mas makakapagtanong kami simultaneously at malalaman maga-gauge namin sino nagsasabi ng totoo at sino outright na nagsisinungaling,” he explained.
Addressing the potential implications for Malacañang, Lacson maintained that the committee would follow the evidence regardless of where it leads, even if it touches upon President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
However, he clarified that the allegations previously made by Co linking the President to the scheme currently hold no legal weight, as those specific statements were not delivered under oath.