Manila, Philippines — Holding the scheduled Senate Blue Ribbon hearing outside Senate premises poses a problem, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Tuesday.
Matibag stated, referring to the inquiry organized by the Cayetano bloc. The hearing involves the so-called “maleta boys” who are the alleged bagmen and aides of former Congressman Zaldy Co.
Former Congressman Mike Defensor previously announced that the hearing would take place at the Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place.
However, Matibag emphasized that the event cannot be classified as an official legislative hearing, but rather as a mere press conference.
Matibag added that the NBI did not receive any formal invitation from the camp of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to clarify the allegations raised by 18 bodyguards. He criticized Defensor for framing the meeting as an official “hearing,” calling it a tactical move by their group to distract public attention.
Earlier this morning, Senator Imee Marcos and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson arrived at the events place but were initially barred from entering.
In an interview, Singson stated he was prepared to expose anomalies regarding the flood control scandal, naming former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the alleged masterminds behind the corruption in the projects.
The hearing ultimately proceeded past 1:00 PM today, attended by Defensor’s group and a new batch of witnesses who are reportedly former soldiers. The proceedings were led by their legal counsel, Atty. Levi Baligod.
On the same day, Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian called for a consultative meeting with the Senate media block to ensure an orderly daily coverage, as well as the upcoming impeachment trial coverage.
Meanwhile, the Cayetano camp petitioned the Supreme Court to issue a Status Quo Ante Order, which aims to restore the disputing parties to their original status prior to the June 3 shake-up. Notably, Senators Joel Villanueva and Mark Villar were not included in the list of petitioners.—Henry V. Nicolas, Eurotv News