NOW that the leadership of the Philippine Senate has a new President, it must go on forthwith the unfinished investigation on the controversies arising from the dreaded flood control projects in the entire country.
This came after Senator Joel Villanueva moved on Monday (May 11) to make all the positions of the Senate vacant, including the post of Senate President, which was okayed during its regular session.
The new majority got 13 votes for Sen. Alan Cayetano, ousting Sen. Tito Sotto as president while he only got nine and two senators abstained.
Those who voted for Cayetano are Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, his sister Pia Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Loren Legarda, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Camille Villar and Mark Villar.
Those who did not vote for Cayetano were senators Bam Aquino, Win Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, Kiko Pangilinan, brothers Raffy Tulfo ad Erwin Tulfo, and Tito Sotto. Senators JV Ejercito and Juan Miguel Zubiri abstained.
Senator Loren Legarda, mother of Cong. Leandro Legarda Leviste of 2nd district of Batangas, was chosen as Senate Pro-Tempore, the next post to Senate President, replacing Sen. Ping Lacson.
The new Senate leadership which is now busy for new committee chairmanship reorganization must move fast and, if I may suggest, reappoint Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to be back to chair Blue Ribbon committee, again, replacing Lacson.
I believe that Sen. Marcoleta, not only has the courage, is a competent practicing lawyer that’s needed to continue the flood control project probe.
This is needed very much since Lacson reportedly failed to call to committee hearing other important resource persons. Worse, the assailed committee report did not get the signatures needed. Some of those who supposed to sign the report withdrew their signature.
It was also reported that Lacson, (even reportedly it was uncompleted) has already submitted the said report to the Ombudsman. Pastilan.
The new blue ribbon chair could proceed to call other resources persons, like the “Brave 18” marines who are reportedly not being called and others for the needed investigation. Sayonan ka “mallet-maleta nga kwarta ang iang gi-deliver ngadto sa mga tapalasan, or tamaloslos, apparently unmasking the brain in the flood control scandal. (09284085238/ricobedencio@yahoo.com)
