Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Saturday said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will likely resume its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects on 14 November, with a “very important witness” expected to testify.

The move is contingent upon Lacson’s reelection as Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson when the Senate resumes session on 10 November.

Lacson stepped down from the post on 6 October following internal disagreements in the Senate over how the hearings were being conducted, with some members of the majority airing “disappointment” over his handling of the proceedings.

“If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov. 10, our hearing will resume on Nov. 14,” Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH officials, and errant contractors, we will invite among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired T/Sgt. Orly Guteza to shed more light on his sinumpaang salaysay (sworn statement),” he added.

Guteza, a retired soldier, previously appeared before the committee’s 25 September hearing.

He claimed to have personally delivered suitcases of cash—codenamed “basura” (trash)—to the homes of former Speaker Martin Romualdez and ex-Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co. Both lawmakers have strongly denied Guteza’s testimony.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta introduced Guteza to the panel, saying the witness had been referred to him by former lawmaker Michael Defensor.

However, questions later arose over the authenticity of Guteza’s affidavit after lawyer Atty. Petchie Rose Espera denied notarizing, signing, or participating in the document’s preparation.

The Blue Ribbon Committee has since referred the possible violation to the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court for further investigation.

Lacson, a former police general and long-time senator known for his anti-corruption stance, said he has already discussed with Senate President Vicente Sotto III the possibility of being reinstated as committee chair.

Despite earlier criticisms from some majority members, Lacson noted that many have since expressed support for his return.

Lacson said he “will maintain a blindfold mentality” and “will be impartial and go where the evidence leads him.”