Dennis Gasgonia

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Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA (<strong>UPDATED</strong>) — Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday said former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s statements — made in a video and outside the formal Senate inquiry — carry “no probative value”, or do not count as proof, since they were not made under oath.</p><p>In a video posted on his official page, Co alleged that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were involved in the purported flood-control corruption scheme.</p><p>&quot;Pumunta siya rito, mag-take oath siya at sabihin niya yung statement niya at yun ang may probative value,&quot; Lacson said.</p><p>(He should come here, take an oath and then say what he said in the video. That will have probative value) </p><p>Lacson also questioned the plausibility of Marcos Jr. supposedly pushing for a P100-billion insertion during the bicameral conference committee (bicam) deliberations on the national budget.</p><p>The bicam is composed of delegations from the House and Senate that work to reconcile differences in the bills passed by the separate chambers.</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/14/zaldy-co-free-to-apply-as-witness-but-will-be-subject-to-evaluation-says-doj-1741"><strong>Zaldy Co free to apply as witness but will be subject to evaluation, says DOJ</strong></a></div><p>“Why would he insert 100 billion sa bicam samantalang sa NEP kaya niyang gawin yun? Second, bakit niya vineto? bakit niya in-FLR?” Lacson noted, explaining that the president has full control over what goes into the National Expenditure Program (NEP) before it is submitted to Congress.</p><p>(Why would he insert P100 billion at the bicam when he could do it in he NEP? Second, why did he veto the items? Why did he mark it as FLR [For Later Release]?)</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>PANEL MAY ALLOW CO TO TESTIFY REMOTELY</strong></div><p>Co had previously requested to attend the Senate hearing via Zoom, but the committee denied the request. Lacson explained that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa raised concerns about allowing a virtual appearance without the witness being under oath.</p><p>Lacson clarified, however, that the committee would permit a remote sworn testimony if Co appears before a Philippine embassy or consulate:</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/14/-pure-hearsay-malaca-ang-disputes-zaldy-co-s-accusations-vs-marcos-pangandaman-1731"><strong>‘Pure hearsay’: Malacañang disputes Zaldy Co’s accusations vs Marcos, Pangandaman</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>BLUE RIBBON MAY SUBPOENA CO</strong></div><p>He added that Co had already been formally invited, and that the committee may resort to a subpoena if he still refuses to appear:</p><p>Lacson said the committee is also reviewing the statements of former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who alleged widespread corruption in flood-control projects and linked former Sen. Grace Poe and several other lawmakers to alleged irregularities.</p><p>“Mahirap kapag walang supporting evidence or documents… Kung magsasabi ka ng pangalan kailangan meron kang pinaghahawakan na maililink mo yung pangalan doon sa hawak mong documento. Kung wala, wag mo nalang sabihin,” he said.</p><p>(It is difficult when you do not have supporting evidence or documents. If you name a name, you need to have something that can link the name to the document you have. If you don&#x27;t have that, don&#x27;t say the name)</p><p>Poe has denied the allegation.</p><p>Lacson said the Department of Justice will ultimately determine the value of Bernardo&#x27;s testimony.</p><p>Lacson also said the Blue Ribbon Committee will examine the ledger submitted by the Discaya couple during Friday’s hearing.</p><p>The ledger reportedly lists lawmakers and former officials who allegedly received kickbacks from anomalous flood-control projects.</p><p>“Titingnan namin, co-counter check namin doon sa mga items, sinong mga proponents, mga ganun,” he confirmed.</p><p>(We will check the items and the project proponents)</p>

<p>Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday said former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s statements made outside the formal Senate inquiry carry “no probative value” unless they are delivered under oath.</p>

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday said former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s statements made outside the formal Senate inquiry carry “no probative value” unless they are delivered under oath.

Lacson says Zaldy Co’s corruption claims lack weight without oath

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Lacson says Zaldy Co’s corruption claims lack weight without oath

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 14, 2025 07:03 PM PHT

|

Updated Nov 14, 2025 10:25 PM PHT

Read More:

Senate of the Philippines

Sen. Panfilo Lacson

Blue Ribbon Committee

Zaldy Co

Discaya

flood control scandal

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