Senate to tackle Lacson report after Lent

The Senate is set to tackle the report of three of its committees on the alleged drug connections of opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson after its Lenten break.

Sen. Robert Barbers, who chairs the public order and illegal drugs committee, has been prodding members of the three panels, including those representing the minority, to sign the draft report so it can be endorsed to the entire Senate.

Barbers’ committee is the lead investigating panel. The Mindanao senator belongs to the ruling Lakas party.

The accusations against Lacson were leveled by principal witness Angelo "Ador" Mawanay and corroborating witness Mary Ong, alias Rosebud. Both witnesses were under the protection of Col. Victor Corpus, the military’s intelligence chief.

However, Mawanay recently gave up government protection and took back his accusations against Lacson.

The report of the three committees recommends the filing of charges against Lacson, who has declared his intention to run for president in next year’s elections. – Jess Diaz