MANILA — Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co will no longer be allowed to testify via Zoom before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects, Senate President Pro Tempore and committee chair Panfilo Lacson said.

Lacson explained that allowing virtual participation could give Co an unchecked platform to make statements with little probative value, or worse, serve as “propaganda,” without facing accountability or the possibility of a contempt citation.

“I didn’t push through with the initial plan to invite him via Zoom. On second thought, the hearing might afford him a platform to say anything he wants, even with no probative value and worse, for propaganda purposes only, without any accountability for, at least, possible contempt citation,” Lacson said.

Co’s lawyer informed the committee that the former lawmaker is currently in the United States for medical treatment and is unable to attend Friday’s hearing, Lacson added.

The Senate is scheduled to resume the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) inquiry into irregularities in flood control projects on Friday, while debates on the proposed 2026 national budget continue Thursday afternoon.

Lacson also dismissed comments and “predictions” made by Senator Imee Marcos regarding the upcoming hearing. He emphasized that he will continue to lead the panel with a “blindfold mentality,” guided strictly by the evidence presented before the committee. (PNA)