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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson: Legal consequences loom for participants of 'bogus' Blue Ribbon hearing

Lacson: Legal consequences loom for participants of 'bogus' Blue Ribbon hearing

Published Jun 6, 2026 10:38 am  |  Updated Jun 6, 2026 02:09 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Panfilo Lacson warned of possible legal consequences for those who participated in what he called a "bogus" hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
  • He said that even senators cannot invoke parliamentary immunity since it was not a legitimate Senate proceeding.
  • The actions of the newly-formed majority, according to Lacson, may only be invalidated if the Supreme Court overturns the Avelino vs Cuenco ruling that enabled them to form a quorum.
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Friday, June 5, warned of impending legal consequences for those who gave “testimonies” as well as other participants during what he considered a "bogus" Blue Ribbon Committee hearing led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
The 18 Marines together with their legal counsel Atty Levi, Baligod, take their oath during the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged flood control anomaly at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on June 4, 2026. (Mark Balmores)
The 18 Marines together with their legal counsel Atty Levi, Baligod, take their oath during the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged flood control anomaly at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on June 4, 2026. (Mark Balmores)
Secretariat and stenographers were not present during the panel's hearing last Thursday. It was Cayetano himself who administered the oath to the resource speakers.
The participants in the so-called hearing, including senators from the now-minority bloc that supports Cayetano, can't invoke parliamentary immunity since it was not an official Senate proceeding, Lacson said.
“Yes, they can be charged, possibly for cyber libel and other crimes since it was a bogus hearing and no parliamentary immunity may be invoked, not even the senators who participated,” he said.
Last Thursday, this minority held a “hearing” at the Senate session hall, where 18 ex-soldiers “testified” and linked various personalities to the delivery of cash-filled suitcases or "maletas".
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Erwin Tulfo had scheduled the hearing on the flood control scandal on June 8, Monday.
As per Lacson, cyber libel may be among the possible charges that may be filed against the 18 former soldiers who gave testimonies at the purported hearing.
Meanwhile, he added that public officials who took part in the event may also face charges such as usurpation of authority or official functions.
He cited Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), which stated that any person who knowingly performs official acts without lawful authority may be punished with prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods.
Lacson said those offended by the claims made during Thursday’s event have a strong case, unless the Supreme Court (SC) overturns the Avelino v Cuenco ruling and invalidates the actions taken by the new majority after the leadership change in plenary last Wednesday, June 3
The June 3 upheaval came after Senator Francis Escudero joined the Solid Bloc (SB)-11 minority members in that day’s session.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore, and subsequently took on the role of acting Senate President. 
The new majority cited the Avelino v Cuenco ruling in asserting that there was a quorum (12 senators) that allowed them to declare all positions vacant and elect new officers.
“Only if the SC will overturn the Avelino vs Cuenco ruling and invalidate the action taken by the 12 senators last Wednesday, those who were offended in yesterday’s event have a good case,” he said.

Related Tags

Ping Lacson Alan Peter Cayetano Senate Blue Ribbon Committee flood control anomalies
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