By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service
Senator Manny Pacquiao has called for a Senate committee hearing on the P8.7-billion road right of way anomaly in General Santos City.
Pacquiao, who filed Resolution No. 561 seeking for the probe, said he would send invitations to Eldon Cruz, brother in law of former President Benigno Aquino III; former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson; and former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.
Pacquiao who heads the public works committee said the first panel hearing was slated on Dec. 11, Monday.
He said he also received “confidential documents” for presentation during the hearing.
“Mr. President, hindi ko masikmura ang galawang ito. Ang perang galing
sa buwis ng ordinaryong mamamayan, napunta lang sa ilang alagad ng
gobyerno..I believe that it is our duty as legislators to solve this faults in our system. Hindi pwedeng magwalang kibo tayong mga senador..,” he said.
“Sinisiguro ko na hindi tayo titigil hanggat hindi nananagot ang dapat
managot. It is about time we fix our system for the development of our
country,” he added.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said based on documents submitted by a former member of the syndicate, Abad gave his approval for the release of funds as payment for fake road right of way claims in General Santos City upon recommendation by Singson.
According to Aguirre, Roberto Catapang Jr., the witness, also noted that Cruz’s name was dropped several times by the syndicate.