Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has offered to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the corruption behind anomalous flood control projects, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Tuesday.
Lacson said he has tentatively scheduled the next hearing of the Blue Ribbon panel on April 14, but added this could be held “much earlier.”
“He sent a letter, he indicated he wanted to testify. Sabi ko yes if you are testifying on flood control projects, we will schedule a hearing. Tentatively we scheduled it for April 14. but if we can hold it much earlier, why not?” Lacson said in an interview.
In Filipino: Lacson: Dating Gobernador Singson, Nag-Alok na Magpatestigo sa Flood Control Issue
According to Lacson, Singson went to his Senate office on Monday to express his intention to testify. He did not immediately give an affidavit, he said.
When asked if Singson would submit an affidavit before the hearing, Lacson said, “he may or he may not.”
“He’s a former governor. I leave it up to him to justify his presence. Makita nyo naman ang credibility or incredibility, whichever the case ng kanyang sasabihin (You will see the credibility or incredibility of his statements, whichever the case may be),” he said.
As for the 18 ex-soldiers who allegedly delivered kickbacks to certain personalities, Lacson said he will have to consult his colleagues.
Lacson earlier said he is open to inviting the 18 so long as their testimonies will reflect reality.
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Lacson: Dating Gobernador Singson, Nag-Alok na Magpatestigo sa Flood Control Issue
Nag-alok si dating Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson na tumestigo sa Senate Blue Ribbon Committee tungkol sa katiwalian sa likod ng mga maanomalyang flood control projects, ayon kay Senate President Pro Tempore at Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson nitong Martes.
Ayon kay Lacson, pansamantalang itinakda ang susunod na pagdinig ng Blue Ribbon panel sa Abril 14, bagama’t maaari itong isagawa nang mas maaga.
“He sent a letter, he indicated he wanted to testify. Sabi ko yes if you are testifying on flood control projects, we will schedule a hearing. Tentatively we scheduled it for April 14. but if we can hold it much earlier, why not?” ani Lacson sa panayam.
Ayon kay Lacson, pumunta si Singson sa kanyang opisina sa Senado nitong Lunes upang ipahayag ang kanyang intensyon na magpatestigo. Hindi siya agad nagbigay ng affidavit.
Nang tanungin kung magsusumite ba si Singson ng affidavit bago ang pagdinig, sinabi ni Lacson na “he may or he may not.”
“He’s a former governor. I leave it up to him to justify his presence. Makita nyo naman ang credibility or incredibility, whichever the case ng kanyang sasabihin,” dagdag niya.
Tungkol naman sa 18 dating sundalo na diumano’y nagbigay ng kickbacks sa ilang personalidad, sinabi ni Lacson na kailangan niyang kumonsulta sa kanyang mga kasamahan.
Sinabi na ni Lacson na nananatiling bukas siya sa pag-anyaya sa 18, hangga’t ang kanilang testimonya ay maglalarawan ng katotohanan.
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