Lacson and Marcoleta Clash at Start of Senate Blue Ribbon Hearing
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumed its investigation into the flood control projects scandal on Tuesday, but the proceedings quickly became contentious. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson and Senator Rodante Marcoleta engaged in a heated exchange almost immediately after the hearing began. The friction stemmed from Marcoleta’s concern over Lacson’s prior public remarks, which he viewed as prejudicial to the inquiry.
Marcoleta Challenges Lacson’s Remarks
Marcoleta, who previously chaired the committee before Lacson took over, pointed to an interview Lacson had given to journalist Pinky Webb on the Bilyonaryo channel. In that interview, Lacson was asked who between Discaya and Bryce Hernandez would be more suitable for inclusion in the Witness Protection Program as a state witness. Lacson replied that at that point, he believed Hernandez was the stronger candidate. Marcoleta argued that this comment undermined the impartiality of the committee and cast doubt on its ability to handle witnesses fairly. He raised this matter at the very start of the hearing, telling Lacson: “Foremost in my mind is the integrity and impartiality and the objectivity of this committee.”
Lacson Defends His Position
Lacson responded firmly, emphasizing that his statement was only his personal opinion expressed outside of the Senate. “That’s my perspective, that is my personal opinion outside of the hearing or outside of this hall, so don’t question my opinion,” he said. Lacson initially tried to defer Marcoleta’s questions, telling him to wait until after the principal witness, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District engineer Henry Alcantara, had testified. However, Marcoleta insisted that his concern was a prejudicial question that needed to be addressed before moving forward.
Exchange Escalates
The situation escalated as Marcoleta continued pressing the issue. He directly asked Lacson whether the chair of the committee had the prerogative or right to make such judgments before formal deliberations. Lacson remained unmoved, reiterating that his opinion had no bearing on the official proceedings. The exchange grew more heated as the two lawmakers interrupted each other, switching at times between English and Filipino. At one point, Lacson remarked: “You are questioning my opinion. Away tayo kaagad dito eh (We are going to have an argument).” Marcoleta countered by maintaining that Lacson’s public statements risked eroding the committee’s credibility.
Focus on Witness Testimony
Despite the verbal sparring, Lacson eventually invited Marcoleta to go ahead with his line of questioning but remained clear that his priority was to hear from the main witness. Alcantara, the former DPWH district engineer, had been called to provide testimony central to the committee’s probe into the alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Lacson sought to redirect the hearing toward substantive matters, though the tension between him and Marcoleta lingered in the air.
Implications for the Investigation
The clash highlighted the challenges facing the Blue Ribbon Committee as it moves forward with its investigation. With billions of pesos allegedly involved in the flood control projects scandal, the inquiry is under public scrutiny, and perceptions of fairness and impartiality are critical. Marcoleta’s insistence on questioning Lacson’s earlier remarks underscores the sensitivity of witness credibility and the political dynamics at play within the Senate.
The heated exchange between Senators Panfilo Lacson and Rodante Marcoleta set a confrontational tone for the Blue Ribbon Committee’s latest session. While Lacson defended his comments as mere personal opinion, Marcoleta stressed that such remarks could prejudice the inquiry’s integrity. As the investigation proceeds, the committee must navigate not only the technical details of the flood control projects but also the political frictions that could shape public perception of its work.