Appearing before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 25, Thursday, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan joined fellow members of the committee in pressing for answers and progress on what is now considered the biggest corruption scandal in the country—the questioned flood control projects.
Like millions of Filipinos awaiting truth and accountability, Pangilinan sought clarification and carefully examined new details that emerged during the hearing. In an interview, the senator underscored the significance of the testimonies presented.
He stressed that the statements shared during the hearing carried serious weight, making it crucial to stay vigilant, gather, and understand all evidence to help lead the investigation. “We will go where the evidence leads us in terms of ano yung magiging conclusion,” Pangilinan said.
The lawyer-senator also emphasized the need to uphold due process throughout the proceedings. “Let’s withhold judgement hanggat pumapasok yung dagdag na ebidensya (at) dagdag na testimonya,” he said.
During the marathon hearing, Pangilinan pointed out inconsistencies in the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo against former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara, noting how their accounts appeared to overlap yet contained discrepancies. He assured the public that such issues will not be ignored by the committee.
“If there are some gaps, sa susunod na mga hearing pwede nila sagutin,” Pangilinan said.
The senator also linked the hearing to the possibility of further accountability measures, including a potential impeachment trial of COA Chair Mario Lipana, following remarks raised by former senator Leila de Lima. Pangilinan reiterated his support for summoning all individuals mentioned, including Lipana’s wife, Marilou, who was flagged for her role as a contractor in several questioned projects.
“Again, sa atin we go by the evidence,” Pangilinan emphasized.
He noted that documents showed Marilou Lipana using her maiden name in contracts for flood control projects, raising suspicions of concealment, deception and fraud.
“Nabanggit siya ni Alcantara, nabanggit siya ni Bernardo so we go by the evidence therefore we invite her to come over. Nakuha rin natin yung kontrata, iba rin pangalan niya doon, she used her maiden name—why? Dyan pa lang makikita mo ano ba ‘to, are they concealing her identity? May mga concealment ng katotohanan para mailusot?” Pangilinan said.
“So we’ll confront her sa next hearing,” he added.
As the Blue Ribbon investigation continues, Pangilinan reaffirmed his commitment to pursue the truth relentlessly, guided only by evidence, due process, and the Filipino people’s demand for accountability.