Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno says the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has proven that it will only act on available evidence, nothing more.

Puno gave this compliment to the blue ribbon panel Monday, Jan. 12 after its chairman, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said that there was no evidence implicating former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez to the flood control corruption scandal.

“Senator Lacson made it very clear that the Senate can only follow where the evidence leads," said the National Unity Party (NUP) chairman.

He said Lacson’s remarks served as a clear reminder that investigations cannot move forward on conjecture, political pressure, or unsubstantiated claims.

The deputy speaker noted that the statement, aired over DZBB radio, reinforces the long-standing principle that due process must prevail in any inquiry conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Lacson, in the interview, pointed out that no witness had directly implicated Romualdez, with the exception of Orly Guteza. However, Guteza's testimony before the blue ribbon panel has not been substantiated, and he has failed to surface before proper authorities to affirm his claims under oath.

Puno also took note of Lacson’s categorical denial that any pressure was exerted on him or by Malacañang to block the inquiry. He said such claims only distract from the real work of institutions.

“Senator Lacson categorically rejected those allegations and those of us who know him can confirm that pressure would not work on him,” Puno said.

The veteran congressman called on all sides to allow investigations to proceed objectively, including those on incumbent Senators, and without partisan motives.

“Public discourse should be guided by evidence and fairness. When there is no proof, everyone should stop turning serious issues into political theater,” Puno said.