A resource person at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing drew attention for wearing a full face covering during an inquiry into alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways MIMAROPA Regional Director Gerald Pacanan attended the hearing on Monday, January 19, as the upper chamber continued its probe into supposed corruption linked to flood control initiatives.
Reports said Pacanan is among the DPWH officials charged by the Ombudsman with corruption and malversation of public funds in connection with a P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, along with former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co.
The project involved the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro and was funded under the 2024 national budget of the DPWH.
During the hearing, Pacanan appeared in a white hooded jacket and a yellow head covering, which concealed parts of his face except for his eyes, drawing attention from both senators and observers.
The unusual attire prompted some lawmakers to ask why the former DPWH official felt the need to cover his appearance, especially considering his previous role in a government agency.
“Excuse me, matanong ko lang, bakit ba kayo nakatalukbong kung hindi naman kayo testigo?” Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson asked Pacanan.
Pacanan explained that wearing the covering was his own request, supposedly for his “protection and security.” Sen. Kiko Pangilinan countered, saying he saw no valid reason for it.
Pangilinan added that it could set a “bad precedent” for future Senate hearings, where others might also choose to cover their faces, emphasizing that the upper chamber values transparency.
“BAKIT SIYA NAGTATAGO?” he wrote in a social media post.
“Iginiit natin na ang pagpapahintulot sa isang resource person na itago o takpan ang kanyang hitsura ay maaaring magtakda ng ‘bad precedent’ para sa mga imbestigasyon sa Senado sa hinaharap, na binibigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng transparency at malinaw na pagkakakilanlan sa mga pagsisiyasat ng Kongreso,” Pangilinan added.
“Pacanan is a government employee. Bakit siya nagtatago?” he asked.
The lawmaker also shared screengrabs of the hearing on Facebook, which quickly went viral, garnering over 40,000 likes and reactions and 1,600 comments.
Other online users also criticized Pacanan for the face covering, emphasizing that the public deserves transparency, particularly in a case involving public funds.
“In a public investigation, especially one involving government accountability, transparency is crucial. Government officials who participate in congressional hearings are expected to face questions openly,” an individual wrote.
“Hiding one’s identity undermines the integrity of the process, raises doubts about credibility, and could encourage a precedent where witnesses evade responsibility rather than answer for their actions,” the X user added.
“Ang yayabang at ang kakapal ng mga mukha nung nananamasa sa kaban ng bayan tapos ngayon, walang mukhang iharap?? Mukhang ang amo-amo bigla at ang bait-bait. Hehe. Kailangan niyo panagutan ang mga ginawa niyong pagnanakaw sa bayan!!!” another Facebook user said.
“Ba’t pinapayagan na balot ang mukha! Dapat open para makilala ng nanood kung sino baga ‘yang tao na ‘yan,” a different Facebook user commented.
“Pero ‘yung mga simpleng mamamayan, agad agad kinukulong, pinapakita pa mga mukha,” another Pinoy said.
Pacanan said that he has a case pending before the Sandiganbayan and that no judgment has been rendered yet.
“I’ll be incriminated with whatever action against me,” he said, adding that his face covering is for his “protection.”
The Blue Ribbon committee ultimately rejected Pacanan’s request and instructed him to remove his face covering during the inquiry.
Senate hearings are special proceeding conducted by lawmakers to gather information, examine issues and investigate matters of national importance to the public.
Held in aid of legislation, they allow senators to discuss proposed laws, investigate national concerns and exercise oversight over the executive branch.
These hearings aim promote legislative reform, strengthen accountability and uphold the rule of law. They are generally accessible to the public through livestreams, unless an executive session is requested.
