MANILA, Philippines -- Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson has offered to testify on the reported corruption behind some flood control projects, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Tuesday.
Lacson, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman, said he has tentatively scheduled on Apr. 14 the next hearing on anomalous flood control projects.
But the Senate president pro tempore said this could be held "much earlier."
In a chance interview, Lacson said Singson has sent him a letter. "He indicated he wanted to testify.
"I said [to him], 'Yes. If you are testifying on flood control projects, we will schedule a hearing,'" Lacson said.
"Tentatively we scheduled it for April 14. But if we can hold it much earlier, why not?" Lacson said.
According to Lacson, Singson went to his Senate office on Monday to express his intention to testify. Singson did not immediately give an affidavit, he said.
When asked if Singson would submit an affidavit before the hearing, Lacson said, "He may or he may not."
"He’s a former governor. I leave it up to him to justify his presence. You will see the credibility or incredibility of his statements, whichever the case may be," Lacson said in Filipino and English.
With regard to the 18 former soldiers who allegedly delivered kickbacks to certain personalities, Lacson said he still need have to consult fellow senators.
Lacson earlier said he is open to inviting them as long as their testimonies will reflect reality.