By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday the panel’s report on alleged flood control anomalies includes findings involving incumbent Senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada.
Lacson reiterated that the Senate may only recommend further investigation and case buildup, as the authority to file charges rests with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.
He said the report continues to cite multiple possible violations based on evidence presented during the hearings and that any proposal to alter the findings must be supported by evidence already on record.
He said the draft has not yet been routed, as it is being polished to clarify wording, stressing that no substantive revisions were made to the committee’s findings.
“Walang nabago. Walang substantive na na-revise, pareho pa rin. Yun lang, yung language,” Lacson said in a chance interview.
Lacson said the refinements were intended to avoid misinterpretation of the committee’s recommendations, particularly language that could be read as directing the filing of court cases.
Lacson added that the wording adjustments were suggested by members of the Senate majority and were not linked to minority objections or leadership issues in the chamber.
Once the edits are completed, the report is expected to be circulated for signatures.
“Kung matapos mamaya, then tomorrow,” Lacson said, referring to the possible timing of its routing.
