Lacson to Marcoleta: "Why are you so protective of the Discayas?"

• Senators Ping Lacson and Rodante Marcoleta clashed during and even after a Senate flood control hearing
• Dispute centered on Lacson’s view that ex-DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez was more credible as a state witness than the Discayas
• Marcoleta argued against “prejudging” while Lacson accused him of being “protective of the Discayas”
• Despite objections, Lacson resumed the session and allowed ex-engineer Henry Alcantara to testify

The tension between Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senator Rodante Marcoleta flared once again, continuing even during a break in Tuesday’s Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

Earlier, Lacson, who chairs the committee, suspended the hearing after engaging in a verbal exchange with Marcoleta.

The clash stemmed from Lacson’s remarks in a television interview where he described former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Brice Hernandez as more credible to become a state witness than contractors Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya.

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The Discayas have applied for the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program, while Hernandez’s camp filed a motion before the Pasay Regional Trial Court seeking similar protection, alleging that several lawmakers were involved in the irregular projects.

During the hearing’s suspension, Marcoleta challenged Lacson’s earlier remarks, saying:

“Why are we trying to prejudge this? We are still in the process of investigation. If we are in the process of investigation, we should not judge.”

Lacson fired back: “Why are you so protective of the Discayas? Why are you so protective?”

Marcoleta denied this and requested that his denial be placed on record despite the proceedings being suspended.

When the session resumed, Lacson directed former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara to continue with his testimony.

Marcoleta, however, repeated his objections over the impartiality of the proceedings, which Lacson brushed aside to allow Alcantara to read his sworn statement.

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News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories.

In related news, one unidentified male died from a stabbing during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest in Recto, Manila. The DOH said 48 others were hospitalized, including two cops with minor injuries. Six protesters sustained serious conditions such as gunshot wound, eye trauma, and head trauma. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa assured all patients are covered by Zero Balance Billing.

It can also be recalled that the protest in Mendiola on Sept. 21 turned violent when rallyists stormed a SOGO Hotel branch. SOGO OIC Lorenzo Junio confirmed that the hotel’s vault was emptied during the break-in. A security guard was injured while several guests were inside their rooms during the chaos. Police are investigating the looters, as organizers condemned the violence and urged peaceful protest.

Source: KAMI.com.gh