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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson sets next Blue Ribbon hearing on Nov 14; 'very important' witness invited

Lacson sets next Blue Ribbon hearing on Nov 14; 'very important' witness invited

Published Oct 25, 2025 12:11 pm  |  Updated Oct 25, 2025 01:43 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said he will resume the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's probe on anomalous flood control projects on Nov. 14, if he gets reinstated as chairman. To be invited are key witnesses, including retired T/Sgt. Orly Guteza, in a bid to support the filing of airtight cases against implicated officials and contractors.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Saturday, Oct. 25, that he will set the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s next hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Nov. 14, in the event he gets reelected as the panel's chairman once the Senate resumes session on Nov. 10.
Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Senate PRIB photo)
Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Senate PRIB photo)
Lacson said a "very important witness" will be invited to the hearing to expedite the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and erring contractors.
He added retired T/Sgt. Orly Guteza will also be invited to the next hearing.
"If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov 10, our hearing will resume on Nov 14. To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH officials and errant contractors, we will invite among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired T/Sgt Orly Guteza to shed more light on his 'sinumpaang salaysay,'" he said in a post on X.
Guteza is the "witness" presented by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta at the panel's Sept. 25 hearing. Marcoleta said Guteza was referred to him by ex-Rep. Michael Defensor.
In his testimony, Guteza claimed that he delivered suitcases of cash, which he said were codenamed “basura (trash)”, to the homes of resigned Ako-Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez denied the allegations.
Lacson said the Blue Ribbon Committee left the investigation of the possible violation in Guteza’s notarized document to the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), after Atty. Petchie Rose Espera denied notarizing, signing or participating in the preparation of Guteza's affidavit.
On the other hand, Lacson said he has discussed with Senate President Vicente Sotto III the idea of reclaiming the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon Committee, after he vacated the post on Oct. 6 due to some members of the majority expressing "disappointment" over his handling of the proceedings.
Many members of the majority were since quoted as wanting Lacson to return.
Lacson said that he would maintain a blindfold mentality, meaning he would be impartial and follow the evidence wherever it led him.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo \"Ping\" Lacson Senate Blue Ribbon Committee flood control probe flood control project
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