MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson has resigned as chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee investigating alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed the resignation on Monday, saying he received Lacson’s letter earlier that day.

In his letter, Lacson cited dissatisfaction among fellow senators regarding the “direction” of the committee’s inquiry.

“In the course of the current investigation, which has implicated some senators in the flood control mess, a number of our colleagues have expressed disappointment with the ‘direction’ of the Blue Ribbon Committee, which this representation chairs,” said Lacson.

“Furthermore, some senators publicly and secretly pursue the narrative that I am zeroing in on several of my colleagues while purportedly protecting those members of the Lower House perceived to be the principal actors in the budget anomalies related to the substandard and ghost flood control projects,” he added.

Lacson denied the allegations, asserting that the panel follows the evidence wherever it leads. He said the misrepresentations are being spread by critics opposed to efforts to uncover the truth behind the flood control anomalies.

“To all my colleagues, let me reiterate: there are no political considerations in any and all my actions related to my handling of the committee hearings and other related activities. Truth is, I do not need to amass political capital, much less at the expense of anybody, because I entertain no further political plans after my term ends in 2031,” said Lacson.

“Having said all that, I hereby tender my resignation as the chairman of the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, otherwise known as the Blue Ribbon Committee,” he stated.

Last Saturday, Lacson announced the suspension of the committee’s investigation “until further notice,” citing delays in the preparation of key documents for the next hearing.

He said the hearing was originally scheduled for October 8 at the request of Senator JV Ejercito, who sought to summon the former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region IV-B.

Lacson also said he had checked with the Department of Justice regarding the availability of the Discaya couple’s “tell-all” affidavits.

“I also checked with the office of the executive judge of Manila RTC if they have concluded the investigation on the possible violations of the notarized document involving TSgt Guteza and Atty Espera,” he added.

“Having been informed that both would not be ready within one week, not to mention that the [Blue Ribbon Committee] hearing will be in conflict with the budget and CA [Commission on Appointments] hearings, I informed SP Sotto of the cancellation until further notice,” Lacson said.

Meanwhile, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) continues its own investigation into the flood control scandal.

Former Public Works Secretary and now Senator Mark Villar, along with contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, have been invited to appear before the ICI this week.

“The hearings will be on Tuesday and Wednesday,” said ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka.

“The ICI continues to organize and address administrative matters together with its continued work on case build-up and evidence review,” he added.

Villar has reportedly confirmed his attendance.

ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. said Villar was invited to:

“Testify under oath to discuss and shed light relative to the planning, budgeting, execution, supervision, and monitoring of flood control and other infrastructure projects” during his time as secretary of the DPWH.

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