The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, resumed its hearings on the flood control funds corruption Jan. 19 at the time when public outrage over what they feel is lack of accountability, is turning into frustration.
Aware of the detractors’ criticisms of the probe, Lacson slammed them in a strongly-worded opening statement: “Para ipangalandakan ninyo na inutil at walang silbi ang Blue Ribbon Committee – is not only insensitive to its members but an insult to our fellow Filipinos who have consistently followed our hearings and participated in the trillion-peso march – the clergy, students, ordinary workers and all concerned citizens who became aware and exposed to unbridled and systemic corruption mainly made possible by the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings and the media who serve as a powerful tool in bringing to the households, eateries, barbershops, etc. the details of each and every hearing of your Blue Ribbon Committee.”
He warned the “skeptics, detractors, and hijackers who exploit the vulnerabilities and anger of our people to deepen the fault lines of our nation during these trying times.”
“Your noise will not silence the truth; neither does it provide any help in our investigation. Your noise cannot convict – and won’t even indict the malefactors in this flood control mess. Only evidence does.”
First time attendees were Former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar and businessman Maynard Ngu.
Olaivar was named by former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo as having received a 15% “commitment” from P2.85 billion worth of projects funded through unprogrammed appropriations of the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Despite Olaivar’s denial, Lacson said the numbers in the official documents supported Bernardo’s claim.
A CEO of a company that owns local cellphone brand Cherry Mobile, Ngu served as special envoy to China for trade , investment and tourism in the Marcos administration last year. He is also known as “bagman” of Sen. Francis Escudero,
Bernardo testified that Ngu got 20% or P160 million of about P800 million of inserted projects for Valenzuela and Marinduque in the General Appropriations Act. The P160 million, Bernardo said, was “meant for Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.”
At last Monday’s hearing, the public saw two witnesses who hid under aliases “Maria” and “Joy.” The information they shared added to the link between contractor Curlee Discaya and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Maria and Joy, employees of lifestyle businessman Rico Ocampo and former tenant of the house on 30 Tamarind st., South Forbes, Makati house, claimed that they talked with Discaya on Feb. 1 and 2, 2024 to ask for an extension of the date they were supposed to vacate the house because of the volume of things they had to haul but the latter told them the new owner also gave him a deadline. Discaya, the two women said, mentioned the name of Romualdez as the new owner.
It will be recalled that in a video expose, former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co said on Dec. 2, 2024, upon instruction of Romualdez he delivered P200 million in suitcases allegedly for President Marcos at 30 Tamarind Street, South Forbes Park. It was allegedly received by Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz.
Maria and Joy
Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, who had issued a melodramatic warning of, “If I were killed…” days before the Senate hearing came with the so-called “Cabral Files” which Lacson said will have to be validated. It was mentioned during the hearing that Lacson also has that “Files.” Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said he also got a copy of it.
Also present in last Monday’s hearing were former DPWH officials implicated in the scandal: Henry C. Alcantara, Brice Hernandez (alias Marvin Santos De Guzman)
Covering up did not work for DPWH Regional Director Region IV-B Gerald Pacanan. Lacson ordered him to show his face after Sen. Kiko Pangilinan questioned his “attire.”
Categorial denials of persons named by Bernardo were stressful for the public to listen to but the one that is hard to match in terms of gall and delusion, was a remark from Discaya who said he felt he was being “robbed” when asked to return money to the government to qualify under the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program. “Hindi ko po masabi kung magkano po kasi para sa akin po, parang kami po ang nanakawan. Parang ibig sabihin, parang modern day na pagnanakaw. Ibig sabihin, ‘yung nakaw ba, siya pa ang magbibigay ng pera doon sa ninakawan niya? Parang gano’n po,” Discaya said.
Lacson’s opening statement’s punch line is a most approriate reply to Discaya: “Shut the f… up!”
Photos by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files
