Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has accepted former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson’s request to testify before the Blue Ribbon Committee on its investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Lacson disclosed that Singson personally approached him to signify his intention to appear in the next scheduled hearing.
The senator said Singson visited his office to make the request, which he readily granted.
“He was in my office…He may or he may not (submit an affidavit). Because, for me it’s enough that what he will testify would be relevant to the Blue Ribbon’s investigation,” Lacson told reporters during an interview at the sidelines of the Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing.
Moreover, as a former governor, Lacson said he will leave it up to the former public official to justify his participation in the Blue Ribbon investigation.
In previous interviews, Singson had said that the government should start its investigation into flood control projects in Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of the Marcos political clan, alleging that the contractors there are also linked to the Discayas.
“Well, he’s a former governor, that’s why I’ll leave it up to him to justify his presence if he does testify,” the senator said.
“Anyway, you will be able to see the credibility or incredibility, whichever the case, of whatever he will say,” he added.
Lacson, who heads the Blue Ribbon panel, also said that the next scheduled hearing has been scheduled tentatively on April 14, 2026 or after the Senate goes into recess for the Holy Week.
The Senate will adjourn sessions on March 21 and will resume on May 3, 2026.
“But if we can hold it much earlier then, why not,” he said.
“But if we are going to call for a hearing, some of the senators might be on vacation mode and I might be the only senator present during the hearing. I’d rather be joined by my colleagues,” he stressed. (Hannah Torregoza)
