Hontiveros 'very willing' to seek new Pharmally probe in next Congress

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday said she was "very willing" to file a resolution in the next Congress for another investigation on the alleged anomalous government transactions with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.

Hontiveros, who is seen as the only opposition lawmaker in the 19th Congress, made the remark after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said that the pieces of evidence already gathered may still be considered.

"Very willing. I would be very willing," Hontiveros told reporters.

"Nakikiisa talaga ako sa ganoong reading at saka rekomendasyon ng aking minamahal na Minority Leader at definitely, any unfinished business ng isang patapos na Kongreso ay pwedeng-pwede pong bitbitin muli at tapusin, gaya ng nararapat ng susunod na Kongreso," she added.

Hontiveros said she might "pick up from where it left off."

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Richard Gordon in February released a committee report on the Pharmally investigation.

However, it never reached the Senate plenary as some members of the panel refused to sign the draft report.

"Hihingi ako ng payo sa magiging liderato ng 19th Congress at sa magiging kasamahan ko sa minorya on how to move it a step forward. Isang hearing, mas maraming hearing ba bago mailabas harinawa sa plenaryo?" Hontiveros said.

"Pero I think yung nagawang trabaho na ng Blue Ribbon Committee sa ilalim ni Chair Dick Gordon ay masyadong mahalaga para iwang bitin lamang o ma-archive lamang," she added.

In a privilege speech Tuesday, Gordon took a swipe at senators who refused to sign his draft report on the Pharmally investigation, urging them to uphold the independence of the chamber and resist outside influence. —NB, GMA News