Sen. Lacson: Co’s testimony holds no legal weight

On Friday, November 14, Senator Panfilo Lacson had dismissed the testimony of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, merely calling it “kwento lang” and asserting that his claims have no probative value in legal or legislative proceedings. Co, who is involved in the ongoing flood control project controversy, accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and several Cabinet officials of orchestrating alleged budget insertions worth P100 billion in the national budget. Co made his allegations in a video statement sent to reporters on Friday, Nov. 14. “Nothing, it’s just a narration. It was not even under oath. He should come here, take his oath and make that same statement, and then that would have probative value,” Lacson said. He added that Co’s claims were in line with Malacañang’s description of the allegations as ‘hearsay.’ Lacson challenged the logic of Co’s assertions, noting that Marcos would not need to insert P100 billion during the Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam) stage, when such allocations could be made at the National Expenditure Program (NEP) level, which is fully under the President's control. “Second, why did he veto the budget measure? Why did he put it under FLR [For Later Release]?” Lacson asked. “I’m not saying it’s unbelievable. But at face value, we have common sense because we know the budget process. The President is not even part of the bicam meetings.” The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee earlier canceled plans to allow Co to participate in hearings via Zoom, citing concerns that he could use the platform for propaganda. Lacson said the suggestion came from Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. “We won’t be able to cite him in contempt because he’s not here, and he is not under oath. But if he goes to a Philippine embassy or consulate and requests a Zoom meeting under oath, that would be valid,” Lacson said.