Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson expressed surprise over the postponement of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on flood control projects, which had been set for April 14.
The committee, chaired by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, cited Singson’s pending submission of a sworn affidavit as among the reasons for deferring the proceedings.
Singson had earlier volunteered to testify before the panel. On March 25, the committee formally requested him to submit two original copies of his affidavit, along with supporting documents, by April 7, and invited him to appear as a resource person during the scheduled hearing.
“…we respectfully request your honor to submit — on or before 5:00 p.m. of 7 April (Tuesday) — two (2) original copies of your affidavit (with all of its attachments)…,” the committee said in its letter.
According to Singson, he was ready to comply with the requirement on the stated deadline but was informed that the hearing had already been “deferred until further notice.”
A separate communication from the committee, also dated April 7, indicated that the rescheduling would depend on developments related to the National Energy Emergency, as well as the formal submission of his affidavit.
Lacson was quoted in reports as saying the committee did not receive Singson’s draft affidavit within the given timeframe.
However, Singson maintained that he should not be blamed for the postponement.
“Wala naman silang sinabi na mag-reply ako eh, ang sabi lang mag-submit lang. Noong magsa-submit na ako, may notice na… Sila nag-cancel, hindi ako,” he said.
Despite the delay, Singson reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
“Umaasa pa rin ako na may isang salita si Senator Lacson na tatawagin ako sa Senado para tulungan sila,” he added.
Singson, who backed the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the 2022 elections, has also recently expressed support for Rodrigo Duterte’s potential presidential bid in 2028.