MANILA, Philippines — The pending submission of a sworn affidavit by former governor Chavit Singson on his alleged knowledge on the flood control fund scandal has compelled Sen. Panfilo Lacson to postpone the resumption of the investigation into the irregularity.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which Lacson leads, has deferred its April 14 hearing on anomalous flood control projects which was originally set to hear Singson's testimony on the controversy.
But Lacson said he may consider calling a hearing if Singson submitted at least a copy of his draft affidavit, and if five more committee members signed the partial committee report so it could be reported out on the Senate floor.
Four out of the 17 committee members have signed the partial committee report. They were Sens. Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Lacson.
Lacson also said he might instead 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.
Lacson noted the committee had given Singson until April 7 to submit his draft affidavit, but did not receive any response.
He 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.