SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, Sept. 24, clarified that the Senate cannot compel Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to appear before the Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry into alleged flood control project anomalies, citing the principle of inter-parliamentary courtesy.

The statement came a day after dismissed Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara admitted during a Senate hearing that he facilitated commissions from flood control projects for the camps of several lawmakers, including Co.

The party-list congressman has since denied the allegations, calling them baseless.

In a Philstar report, Lacson stressed that while Co may voluntarily appear before the panel, it would not be appropriate for the Senate to issue a subpoena.

“There is inter-parliamentary courtesy. Since he is a sitting congressman, he can only testify or issue a manifestation on his own decision,” Lacson explained, noting that the tradition has long been observed in both chambers of Congress.

Still, Lacson stressed that Co would be “definitely welcome” should he decide to attend future hearings. The senator added that he has no personal ties with the lawmaker and has not communicated with him regarding the controversy.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)

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• #Henry Alcantara
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