EDITORIAL - Find Lao now

This editorial may be overtaken by events anytime, but as of this writing former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao is now being sought by the Senate for not attending the recent hearings on the issue regarding Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Lao’s testimony is vital in determining how the corporation was able to bag billions of pesos in government deals despite lacking the funds and the experience to fulfill certain government contracts.

Of course, anyone who has kept track of the ongoing investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee knows that the twists and turns in this case have gone beyond that issue already. These include allegations that the company willfully provided out-of-date personal protective equipment to medical personnel, practiced irregular procurement methods, edged out more deserving suppliers, and provided supplies not asked for before the pandemic hit.

Lao’s actions seem to have emboldened other personalities involved in the investigation; Pharmally executives and siblings Mohit and Twinkle Dargani are also now no longer appearing for the hearings, although they are still keeping in contact with the committee through their lawyers.

If someone thinks he can so easily disrespect the law or make light of a grave situation where public funds are concerned, he must be made to think otherwise.

The authorities should do everything they can to make sure Lao is brought before the committee to shed light on what happened between the government and Pharmally.

There is another reason to find him quick; the last witness in this case to disappear for a period of time came back with a totally different story, a practical turnaround that left many scratching their heads and thinking up conspiracy theories. So chances are great we have not seen the last twist in this investigation yet.

While we hope this is not the case, there are those who cannot help but think that there are higher powers protecting Lao. Powers even higher than those who seek the truth into Pharmally’s dealings with the government. Why else would he feel audacious enough to ignore the summons of the Senate?