Lacson pursuing textbook scam probe

When the Senate resumes session on Nov. 6, Sen. Panfilo Lacson will push for an investigation into a multibillion-peso textbook contract.

Lacson said he had filed a resolution to investigate what he believes is a "scam" because even the printing of teachers’ manuals had not been spared.

"This involves a very big amount and authorities allowed disqualified bidders to bid," he said in radio interview. "This is not possible if there is no syndicate already operating in the education department."

Lacson said he will explore all avenues to push through with the probe, which he sought through a resolution he filed before the Senate went on recess last month.

"When we resume session Monday I intend to talk to Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. to name a chairman to the education committee so the investigation can start," Lacson said in a statement yesterday.

Lacson said he will likely ask for the chairmanship of the Senate education committee if none of his colleagues are interested in taking the post.

The post was occupied by Senate president pro tempore Juan Flavier, who quit and offered it to other senators, but that there were no takers, he added.

Lacson said if no committee chairman is named, another possibility is to have a Senate sub-committee take up the matter. — Christina Mendez