17 congressmen invited to Blue Ribbon hearing

Regaining his chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon committee, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson is inviting members of the House of Representatives implicated in the flood control corruption scandal to attend the next hearing on the issue.

- By MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

In a chance interview yesterday, Lacson said he has coursed the invitation through Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III for the 17 lawmakers mentioned by contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya in their affidavit.

Also invited are former speaker Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, resigned Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, earlier tagged in the alleged flood control kickbacks by former Marine and security consultant Orly Guteza.

Co, who is reportedly abroad, will have to attend the hearing via Zoom at a Philippine embassy or consulate, Lacson said.

“It is all systems go,” he said, as he asked Senate finance committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian not to schedule plenary deliberations on the 2026 budget on Friday to give way to the resumption of the Blue Ribbon investigation. Plenary deliberations begin today.

Lacson was reelected as Blue Ribbon chairman during plenary session yesterday.

He said a "very important" witness whom he declined to identify is still willing to testify and name names in the corruption scandal involving lawmakers, public works officials and private contractors.

"It's still a go as we speak at this very moment," Lacson said, referring to the investigation.

The 17 House members mentioned by the Discaya couple are Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang, Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde, Agap Rep. Nicanor Briones. Marikina Rep. Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro; San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes; Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr., An Waray Rep. Florencio Gabriel "Bem" Noel, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela, Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Antonieta Yudela, Caloocan City Rep. Dean Asistio and Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar.