Senate President and Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Thursday, November 13, that there will be no testimony via Zoom for former Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in the committee’s inquiry into alleged corruption behind anomalous flood control projects.
Lacson, who recently returned as chairperson of the Senate blue ribbon panel, said allowing Co to appear virtually could give him an opening to speak without probative value and, worse, use the hearing as “propaganda” without accountability.
He explained that he abandoned his initial plan to permit a virtual appearance after reassessing its implications.
“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.
Lacson added that Co’s camp had informed the Blue Ribbon Committee that the former lawmaker is currently in the United States undergoing medication, making him unable to attend Friday’s hearing.
“Co’s lawyer informed the committee saying Co is in the US, and is undergoing medication. He asked to be excused from tomorrow’s hearing,” the Senate blue ribbon panel chairman noted.
Lacson also revealed that he has been unable to speak normally after losing his voice Tuesday night, saying he is now focused on recovering in time for key Senate sessions.
He dismissed innuendoes and “predictions” made by Sen. Imee Marcos about Friday’s proceedings, stressing that his only concern is regaining his voice for the budget deliberations and the Blue Ribbon hearing.
“I’ve lost my voice since yesterday after drinking ice cold water with a sore throat last Tuesday night,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate is set to begin deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget on Thursday afternoon, where Lacson—known for his exacting scrutiny of government appropriations—is expected to play an active role.
Despite his condition, he signaled readiness to interpellate once the debates start.
