“WE don’t want to make it appear like Teleserye.”

This was the response of Senator Francis Tolentino, chair of the powerful blue ribbon committee, who confirmed that he will already release a partial report on the controversial Sugar Order no. 4 of the blue ribbon committee even without the testimony of Executive Secretary (ES) Victor Rodriguez.

Citing the fact that his committee has already gathered sufficient details, Tolentino who chairs the Senate blue ribbon committee said a partial report is now ready as he explained that his committee will highly likely need one more hearing which is set this coming September 6 before they finally decide to end it.

Tolentino said ES Rodriguez expressed a strong willingness to attend the hearing but the state visit of President Marcos jr. to various countries will not allow him to do so. The Chief Executive is scheduled to visit Indonesia and Singapore within the week until September 7.

It can be recalled that Minority Leader Aquilino Koko Pimentel III and Sen. Risa Hontiveros insist on the need for Rodriguez to shed light on the issue.

ES Rodriguez appeared in the first committee hearing but immediately left after reading his prepared statement.

Tolentino said considering the many inputs that have been discussed already during the past hearings, the investigation is already sufficient and can already be concluded after the next hearing.

As for Sugar No. 4, the Senate chair believes that although it has been signed, further consultation is still needed to be observed.

Tolentino said they will still dig deeper into who should be held liable to the recommendation and signing of SO no. 4 that would have allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar that was rejected by President Marcos Jr, and with Malacañang saying it was unauthorized.

“Pag hinabaan po natin ang hearing masyado, magpapa ikot ikot lang tayo at magmumukhang Teleserye,” Tolentino said.

According to Tolentino, various issues have already been established during the second hearing that including the fact that Sugar Order No. 4, which would have allowed the importation of 300,000 MT of sugar, was issued without authority from higher ups; the content of SO4 was contrary to laws; and the SRA removed the performance bond, among others.

“Understandable naman po na kailangan siya ng Pangulo sa kanyang state visit at naiintindihan po natin ito,” Tolentino told reporters.

He also said part of the letter states that Rodriguez believes he has stated what needs to be said when he attended the first hearing.

“ES Rodriguez is so preoccupied with the state visit of the President who is scheduled to go to Indonesia, Singapore, and the UN and as Executive Secretary, it is understandable that Rodriguez will have to work hand in hand with the President especially if he will be the caretaker of the Office of the President in his UN trip,” Tolentino said.