Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III announced the suspension of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged irregularities in the government’s flood control projects.
In a text message to reporters on Saturday, October 4, Sotto said Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian had spoken to him regarding the decision to suspend the probe.
He also confirmed that discussions on legislative proposals related to the issue will continue through executive sessions.
“Once we agree on the proposals, we will put it on the floor,” said Sotto.
According to him, the resumption of the hearing will depend on Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
“Let’s wait for Sen. Ping’s decision,” he added.
Lacson currently chairs the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Meanwhile, the Senate is reportedly deliberating on the committee’s invitation to former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, as well as former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co — both allegedly linked to massive kickbacks in the flood control projects.
At present, Co remains abroad. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has coordinated with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a “blue notice” to help locate Co’s whereabouts.