Lacson vows to probe overstocking of Senate office items

Sen. Panfilo Lacson vowed on Wednesday to hold administratively and criminally liable the culprits behind the overstocking of office items in the Senate.

This developed after the Commission on Audit (COA) found in the Senate inventory at least P3 million worth of overstocked items – including tissue paper, insecticide spray, and assorted office supplies.

Reports also said the Senate inventory included at total of 20,856 tissue paper rolls. There were also toner and ink cartridges worth a total of P518,335.77, markers worth P206,336.38, and batteries worth P152,058.17.

The COA had already sought an explanation from the Senate.

Lacson said the Senate Committee on Accounts, which he chairs, would conduct an inquiry “not only in aid of legislation, but to make accountable and criminally liable by making proper recommendation to the Ombudsman or DOJ (Department of Justice) to file the appropriate criminal charges against those responsible.”

“I will definitely conduct an investigation on the alleged anomalies using the COA report as basis of the same. We cannot tolerate or ignore such shenanigans right under the noses of the senators,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.

“If proven correct, not only must heads roll, whoever is/are responsible should be held criminally liable,” he added.

During Wednesday‘s Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said that some heads should roll if anyone would be found guilty of misusing Senate funds.

“Things like these have no place in the Senate because we in the Senate, we’re really careful,” Ejercito said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said those behind the overspending should be held accountable.

The majority leader said he himself never used any budget from the Senate to fund his travels abroad.

“Managot ang dapat managot kasi pera ng taumbayan ‘yan,” he said. “Ako nga sa kahit anong byahe, I never used my international travel allowance.”

He added that his office bought even its own tissue paper. /atm