SEN. Panfilo Lacson postponed the resumption of the probe on alleged anomalous flood control projects as the Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to receive the sworn affidavit of former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson who claimed to have knowledge of the scandal. The Blue Ribbon panel which Lacson leads has deferred its April 14 hearing on anomalous flood control projects which was originally set to hear Singson's testimony.
The senator said he may consider calling a hearing if Singson submits at least a copy of his draft affidavit, and if five more panel members sign the committee report so it can be reported out on the Senate floor. Four out of the 17 committee members have signed the partial committee report — Sens. Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Lacson.
Lacson also said he might deliver a chairman's report on the flood control projects issue and forward it to the Ombudsman with the documents, transcripts and other evidence gathered in at least seven public hearings.
"This is to at least help the Ombudsman in its ongoing preliminary investigations," the senator said in a statement on Thursday.
In his letter to Singson dated April 7, Lacson said 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 your 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," the senator told Singson.
Singson was given until April 7 to submit his draft affidavit.
Lacson said the initial invitation was emailed to Singson on March 25. When he did not reply, the committee sent a copy of the invitation letter to him at his residence last April 6. The letter of deferment of the hearing was sent to Singson on April 7.