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'Kwento lang': Lacson says Zaldy Co's testimony has no probative value
'Kwento lang': Lacson says Zaldy Co's testimony has no probative value
At A Glance
- "As of now, it has no probative value because it was not done under oath," said Lacson, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which is leading the investigation into the anomalous government flood control projects, when asked about his reaction to Co's allegations against the President.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co’s video statement is nothing but just “a story.”
“As of now, it has no probative value because it was not done under oath,” said Lacson, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which is leading the investigation into the anomalous government flood control projects, when asked about his reaction to Co's allegations against the President.
In his video statement sent to reporters on Friday, Co, who is implicated in the flood control mess, accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as some Cabinet members, of orchestrating supposed “insertions” worth P100-billion in the national budget.
Malacañang dismissed Co’s allegations “as hearsay,” a matter which Lacson said he could also agree on.
“Nothing, it’s just a narration. It was not even under oath. He should come here, take his oath and make that same statement, and then that would have probative value,” Lacson stressed.
Lacson also said it is hard to speculate on Co’s assertion that the President is involved in the controversy.
“I’m not defending the President, but why would he insert P100-billion in the bicam (bicameral conference committee)? When he could do that in the NEP (National Expenditure Program),” the Senate blue ribbon panel chief said.
“Second, why did he veto (the budget measure)? Why did he put it under FLR (For Later Release)?” Lacson also pointed out.
“I’m not saying it’s unbelievable. But at face value, we have what we call common sense, only because we know the budget process. And the budgeting process starts at the NEP, where the President has complete control over what should be inserted in the NEP,” he said.
“So, if that’s the case, why will he make insertions at the bicam level?” he further asked, pointing out that the President is not even part of the bicam meetings.
Earlier, the blue ribbon panel said it cancelled its plan to allow Co to participate in the Senate hearings through online or via Zoom out of concern he could only use it for propaganda.
Lacson said it was Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa who made the suggestion in their group chat.
“We won’t be able to cite him in contempt of the committee because he’s not here. And he is not under oath. But if he will go to an embassy, Philippine embassy or Philippine consulate, and there request for a Zoom meeting under oath, that would be valid,” Lacson stressed.