Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday warned that resource persons who ignore show cause orders from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and continue to skip flood control hearings may face contempt proceedings.
Lacson, who chairs the committee, confirmed that former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co and alleged flood control anomaly “whistleblower” Orly Guteza could be among those cited.
“Well, ripe for contempt… Pero kailangan magkaroon ng hearing to formally cite them in contempt of the committee,” he said in an ambush interview.
Last week, the committee issued show cause orders to Co, Guteza, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, John Paul Estrada, Mark Tecsay, and Virgilio Eduarte after they failed to attend the January 19 hearing.
Lacson noted that while the schedule for the next hearing has yet to be set, two to three more sessions may still be held.
“Pero halos tapos na ’yung partial committee report namin. Ira-route na namin ’yan for signatures,” he added.
The Blue Ribbon Committee continues to probe alleged irregularities in flood control projects, with its partial report nearing completion.