Pimentel, Lapid agree to joint probe of jueteng

A day after they exchanged arguments, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel and Sen. Lito Lapid agreed yesterday to a proposal that the investigation into jueteng be jointly conducted by the committees on public order and illegal drugs, and games, amusement and sports.

Pimentel described the suggestion of Senate President Franklin Drilon to allow the two committees to hold the joint probe to be co-chaired by Lapid and Sen. Manuel Villar, as an amenable compromise.

"My proposal is a good compromise. All interests are served in the sense that the public interest will be the primordial consideration. Nobody gets hurt, nobody is embarrassed," Drilon said.

Last Monday, Pimentel questioned Lapid’s credibility to lead the jueteng probe because of his alleged association with Bong Pineda, whom Pimentel described as a known gambling lord in Pampanga.

Other senators called on Lapid to inhibit himself from the probe. Lapid served as a three-term governor of Pam—panga, a position inherited by his son, Mark.

Drilon said the resource persons will be presented to both committees and the public. "Nobody will be protected by anyone," he said.

"I will appeal to the minority leader that that kind of compromise be accepted because there is no rule violated and that is consistent with the rules of the Senate," he added.

Meanwhile, Lapid appealed to his colleagues to give him a chance to prove himself and his integrity in leading the jueteng probe.

"Mayroon akong sinumpaang tungkulin sa ating mga mama—mayan at kailangang tuparin ko ang tungkuling ito (I have a sworn duty to the people and I have to fulfill this)," he said.

Lapid gave assurance that the Senate investigation will be transparent and impartial, saying he would inhibit himself when his son Mark testifies as a resource person.

He said his colleagues can attend the hearing and that he will not suppress their comments or suggestions.

"Hindi naman magiging monopolya ang pag-iimbistiga sa jueteng. Lahat naman ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon…Wala tayong kikilingan (The jueteng probe will not be monopolized; everyone will have a chance to speak. We won’t favor anyone)," he said.