MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may invite former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and several former soldiers to its next hearing on the alleged flood control anomalies, once the panel submits its partial report.

Lacson, who chairs the committee, said the testimonies of Orly Guteza and the ex-soldiers—who claimed to have delivered billions in alleged kickbacks from flood control projects—are linked to Co.

“Once Co is in the Philippines and the court allows it, I plan to have him attend the hearing along with Guteza and the ex-soldiers so we will find out who is truthful, who is telling half-truths, and who is lying,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in a radio interview.

He added that having them testify together could help clarify conflicting claims, including allegations that as much as P805 billion in cash was delivered in suitcases on Co’s orders.

“We can also invite them to separate hearings but I think it would be better if we invite Co along with the ex-soldiers who claimed to deliver P805 billion cash in suitcases. And if possible, we invite Guteza too, so we will know who is telling the truth,” he said in a separate interview.

Lacson said Co, who previously chaired the House appropriations committee, could provide key insights into the alleged irregularities, as he has been described as the “architect” of the flood control anomalies.

“It would be a major development if he cooperated. He can contribute a lot. He has been described as the architect of the mess, by inserting and allocating funds particularly to the Department of Public Works and Highways,” he said.

The senator said the panel may also consider inviting other officials, including former executive secretary Adrian Bersamin and former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, if they are mentioned in Co’s testimony.

He clarified that previous statements attributed to Co on social media were not considered by the committee, as these were not made under oath.

“Bersamin and Pangandaman were not mentioned before the Blue Ribbon Committee. If Co testifies before the committee and mentions them, we have a basis to invite them,” Lacson said.

Lacson noted that Co’s appearance would require court approval, as the former lawmaker is facing a pending warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan. The committee had also earlier issued a show-cause order against him for skipping a January 19 hearing.

He added that the President cannot be compelled to appear before the Senate due to the principle of separation of powers, while any invitation to former Speaker Martin Romualdez would have to go through the Office of the Speaker.

Lacson earlier said Blue Ribbon hearings are temporarily suspended pending the sponsorship of the committee’s partial report, which he said he expects to secure enough signatures for submission to the plenary.

Co was recently arrested in Prague for alleged illegal entry, with Philippine authorities coordinating with Czech officials for his return to the country.