Senator Lacson warns of possible charges over “bogus” Senate Blue Ribbon hearing

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday warned that legal action may be filed against participants of, what he described as a “bogus” Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, including witnesses and some members of the Senate minority bloc.

Lacson said participants in the June 4 event—held at the Senate session hall and featuring testimonies from 18 former soldiers—may not be able to invoke parliamentary immunity, arguing that the proceeding was not an official Senate hearing.

“Yes, they can be charged, possibly for cyber libel and other crimes since it was a bogus hearing and no parliamentary immunity may be invoked, not even the senators who participated,” he said.

The event included claims from former Marines and security aides of former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co, alleging that cash in suitcases was delivered to several high-profile personalities.

Lacson noted that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, had already scheduled an official hearing on the flood control controversy for June 8, distancing it from the earlier event.

He said possible charges could include cyber libel against the 18 former soldiers who gave testimony, as well as other offenses such as usurpation of authority or official functions for public officials who took part.

Under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, Lacson said individuals who perform official acts without lawful authority may face penalties of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods.

Lacson added that those offended by the allegations raised in the June 4 proceedings may have strong legal grounds—unless the Supreme Court reverses the precedent in Avelino v. Cuenco, which has been cited in connection with the Senate leadership dispute.

He explained that the June 3 leadership change followed the entry of Senator Francis Escudero into a session with 11 then-minority senators, who later asserted they had a quorum allowing them to declare vacancies and elect new officers.

“Only if the SC will overturn the Avelino vs Cuenco ruling and invalidate the action taken by the 12 senators last Wednesday, those who were offended in yesterday’s event have a good case,” he said.