MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the next Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged anomalous flood control projects is set for November 14, should he be reelected as committee chair when the Senate resumes session on November 10.

Lacson said a “very important witness” will be invited to the hearing to help expedite the filing of airtight cases against politicians, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and erring contractors.

“If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov 10, our hearing will resume on Nov 14. To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH officials and errant contractors, we will invite among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired T/Sgt Orly Guteza to shed more light on his ‘sinumpaang salaysay,’” Lacson said in a post on X.

Guteza, a retired technical sergeant, was presented by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta during the committee’s September 25 hearing. Marcoleta said Guteza was referred to him by former Rep. Michael Defensor.

In his testimony, Guteza claimed he delivered suitcases of cash—codenamed “basura” (trash)—to the residences of former Rep. Elizaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez has denied the allegations.

Lacson said the Blue Ribbon Committee has referred the investigation into the possible irregularities in Guteza’s notarized affidavit to the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court after lawyer Petchie Rose Espera denied notarizing, signing, or taking part in the preparation of the document.

Lacson added that he had discussed with Senate President Vicente Sotto III the possibility of being reinstated as committee chair after he vacated the post on October 6 following reports that some members of the majority bloc were “disappointed” with how the proceedings were handled.

He said many senators from the majority have since expressed support for his return and vowed to remain impartial in conducting the hearings.

“I will maintain a blindfold mentality, meaning I will be impartial and go where the evidence leads me,” Lacson said.