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Marc Jayson Cayabyab - The Philippine Star
April 19, 2026 | 12:00am
Senator Ping Lacson addresses the Senate's ongoing flood control investigation and other matters concerning the upper chamber during the "Kapihan sa Senado" on January 14, 2026.
STAR / Ryan Baldemor
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson yesterday lamented the refusal of some members of the Blue Ribbon committee to sign the partial flood control report, citing politics and personal friendships as the reason behind the hesitation.
Speaking to dwIZ, Lacson said it’s the responsibility of committee members to sign the report even with reservations so the anti-graft panel can elevate it to the plenary, where senators can still debate or propose amendments.
But he acknowledged the “predicament” of some lawmakers who were reportedly approached by a former majority member now aligned with the minority bloc and asked not to sign due to personal ties.
“I am disappointed, but I also understand where they’re coming from. They are friends with a shared experience. We are just human. There is always a human factor that sets in,” Lacson said in Filipino.
He stressed that hearings on the flood control investigation remain suspended until the partial report is transmitted, even if it means delaying the testimony of the recently captured fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who is expected to shed light on the alleged kickback scheme.
The partial report has so far secured six of the required nine signatures from the 17-member committee. Those who signed include Lacson, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Erwin Tulfo, and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.
Lacson expressed confidence that two more signatures could still be secured, although this remains short of the required nine.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and JV Ejercito initially signed the report but later withdrew their signatures, saying they needed more time to review the draft.
The minority bloc has largely opposed the report after three of its members – Senators Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva – were recommended for investigation and possible charges over their alleged involvement in the scandal.
Other Blue Ribbon members who have yet to sign include Senators Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, Alan Peter Cayetano, Marcoleta, Bong Go, Imee Marcos, and Robin Padilla.
