Former Congressman Elizaldy Co will no longer be allowed to attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation on alleged irregular flood control projects via online participation.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson confirmed the decision following Senator Imee Marcos’ statement that Co was expected to serve as a VIP witness in the committee hearing.
Lacson argued that allowing Co to testify online would only provide him a platform to deliver “propaganda” or baseless claims without accountability or risk of contempt citation.
He added that Co’s camp informed the committee that the former lawmaker is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States, preventing his attendance at Friday’s hearing.
In an interview, Marcos insisted that Co had already agreed to join through video conferencing despite being implicated in the alleged flood control corruption scandal.
Marcos further revealed that invited congressmen allegedly have a prepared script to clear the name of her cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
She also disclosed that Congressman Toby Tiangco is expected to testify again, with additional revelations to be presented.
Meanwhile, Marcos dismissed claims that there would be “no Merry Christmas” for those involved in the controversial flood control projects.
According to her, some implicated individuals will still enjoy the holidays after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Romualdez would not yet face charges.
The senator stressed that only lower-ranking government officials may lose their festive celebrations due to the issue.
Marcos concluded by saying the controversy appears to be diverted and has strayed into unrelated matters.