Manila: Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co will no longer be allowed to testify via Zoom before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects, Senate President Pro Tempore and committee chair Panfilo Lacson said Thursday. Lacson stated that permitting virtual participation could give Co an unchecked platform to issue statements without probative value or, worse, ‘propaganda,’ without the risk of being cited in contempt.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson explained that he decided against inviting Co via Zoom. He expressed concern that the hearing might allow Co to make statements without accountability, particularly regarding possible contempt citations. Lacson shared that Co’s lawyer informed the committee of Co’s current presence in the United States for medical treatment, preventing him from attending Friday’s hearing.

Lacson also mentioned his focus on recovering his voice in time for the Senate’s deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget and the resumption of the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) hearing on Friday. He dismissed remarks and ‘predictions’ made by Senator Imee Marcos regarding the upcoming hearing.

The Senate is set to begin debates on the 2026 national budget on Thursday afternoon. On Friday, Lacson will preside over the Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry into irregularities in flood control projects. He emphasized his commitment to leading the panel with a ‘blindfold mentality’ guided by the evidence presented before the committee.