Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has urged former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to voluntarily appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to respond to allegations linking him to the supposed delivery of money to his residence.
In a television interview, Lacson said Romualdez should seize the opportunity to clear his name, particularly in light of the testimony made by Technical Sergeant Orly Guteza, who claimed that funds were sent to the lawmaker’s home.
“Bibigyan siya ng pagkakataon para ipagtanggol ‘yung kanyang sarili doon sa salaysay na binitiwan ni Technical Sergeant Guteza,” Lacson stated.
The senator noted that Romualdez could strengthen his defense if he can present evidence showing that his house was still under construction at the time of the alleged delivery, as claimed by Guteza.
“Kung solid naman ang kanyang depensa… na ‘yung pagde-deliver ng diumano ay hindi puwedeng mangyari o imposibleng mangyari kasi under construction ‘yung bahay, at kung mayroon siyang naitabing logbook… eh mas magandang dalhin niya para mapatotohanan niya,” Lacson explained.
Lacson clarified that he has not personally spoken to Romualdez regarding the issue but expressed hope that the appeal would reach him.
“Hindi kami nag-uusap. Kaya nga mas maganda kung makarating sa kanya ‘yung panawagan,” he added.
Earlier, Lacson announced that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume its investigation into alleged government project anomalies on November 14, pending his reappointment as committee chairperson.