Manila: The Senate inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects has been stalled as the chamber awaits a sworn affidavit from former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson and the required number of signatures from members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said Thursday the panel deferred its scheduled April 14 hearing due to the absence of Singson's affidavit and the lack of majority support for a partial committee report.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Committee has deemed it necessary to reschedule the public hearing contingent on the mitigation of the current National Energy Emergency and the formal submission of Singson's sworn affidavit, including all pertinent supporting documents. Additionally, the Committee has deferred the resumption of the hearings pending the review and signing of the Partial Committee Report currently before its members, Lacson stated in a letter to Singson.
He mentioned that the panel may resume hearings if Singson submits at least a draft of his affidavit and if five more members sign the partial report, bringing the total to the required nine signatures to constitute a majority. Records showed that only four committee members have so far signed the report, leaving it short of the number needed for endorsement to the Senate plenary.
The committee had given Singson until April 7 to submit his affidavit but received no response, despite earlier invitations sent via email on March 25 and through his residence on April 6. 'We appreciate your cooperation and will provide updates regarding the new schedule as soon as it is determined,' Lacson added.
Amid the delay, Lacson said he is considering submitting a chairman's report to the Office of the Ombudsman, along with documents, transcripts, and other evidence gathered from at least seven hearings. 'Para makatulong man lang sa kanilang ongoing preliminary investigations (This is to at least help the Ombudsman in its ongoing preliminary investigations),' he said.
