Key witness to testify in Senate probe may complete evidence chain for prosecution, says Lacson
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Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday revealed that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to invite a “very important witness” whose testimony could complete the chain of evidence in the ongoing investigation into alleged fund irregularities.
“Importante kasi pwedeng ma-wrap up 'yung lahat ng kelangang malaman patungo pati sa prosecution at conviction (It’s important because everything that needs to be known, including matters leading to prosecution and conviction, can be wrapped up),” Lacson told reporters at the Kapihan sa Senado forum.
Lacson said the witness is finalizing an affidavit backed by ledgers, digital files, and other documentary proof.
The lawmaker, who confirmed he will resume his post as chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, described the witness’s potential contribution as “crucial” in establishing the foundation for possible prosecution and conviction.
The witness, referred to Lacson through a conduit, is expected to bring forward new information not previously disclosed by other resource persons.
However, Lacson stressed that the committee would only entertain statements supported by solid evidence.
“Sabi ko sa kanya kung magme-mention lang ng pangalan na walang suportang dokumento, 'wag na lang mag-mention kasi baka makasira lang ng tao (I told him that if he’s just going to mention someone’s name without any supporting documents, he shouldn’t mention it at all, because it might just ruin a person’s reputation,” he cautioned.
The senator said the committee’s next hearing may be scheduled for 14 November, where members are also expected to deliberate on whether to issue a subpoena to retired Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza through the office of Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
Lacson noted that while Guteza had implicated former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, his statements must be corroborated by another witness or credible documentary evidence to be considered reliable.
“What we need, kay Guteza, is 'yung magko-corroborate—whether it’s another witness or documentary evidence. Otherwise, mere allegation by one person might not hold water,” he said.
He also pointed out that although Guteza is currently the sole witness linking Romualdez to the controversy, multiple other witnesses have implicated former Representative Zaldy Co in the same issue.
Lacson urged Guteza to formally bring his claims before the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Office of the Ombudsman if his intent is genuine prosecution.
“Kung ang hangad mo mag-prosecute, makapagpa-convict talaga, dapat humarap sa DOJ o Ombudsman,” he said.
He then assured the public that the Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation would remain impartial amid talks of political favoritism.
“May mga talks na may pinagtatakpan, merong pinipili—hindi ganon. Maski pag nag-resume na ang hearings, walang magbabago sa direksyon ko bilang chairman: where the evidence leads us, we’ll go there,” Lacson affirmed.
The Blue Ribbon Committee’s ongoing inquiry centers on alleged irregularities in the disbursement and use of public funds allocated to infrastructure projects.
