By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday defended the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into alleged flood control anomalies, stressing that its findings are evidence-based and intended to guide prosecution and not prejudge those implicated.
In a privilege speech, Lacson addressed criticism over the probe and the delay in signing its partial report, emphasizing that the inquiry is grounded on documents, testimonies, and multiple hearings conducted in aid of legislation.
“We are not here to indict, much less convict or hand down a final judgment… we go where the evidence leads us,” he said.
He said developments outside the Senate show that the probe is already producing results, with enforcement agencies acting on evidence uncovered during the hearings.
“These are no longer new findings… the wheels of justice have already begun to grind,” he added.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council has secured freeze orders covering more than PHP21.8 billion in assets linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects, alongside civil forfeiture proceedings and financial intelligence investigations.
Parallel actions have also been undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice, including the filing of graft, malversation, and falsification cases and the formation of special panels to handle so-called ghost projects.
At least four key witnesses have also been admitted to the Witness Protection Program, strengthening the evidentiary base of the investigation and supporting further case build-up.
Lacson emphasized that the committee report remains recommendatory, serving as a framework for prosecutors to independently determine appropriate charges, even as it has yet to be formally filed pending the required number of signatures.
He said the developments underscore that the probe is not stalled but already contributing to accountability efforts while reinforcing the need for systemic reforms.
Reforms eyed
Alongside accountability measures, Lacson outlined legislative proposals aimed at addressing what he described as a “systemic and parasitic” corruption network embedded in flood control projects.
Among the key proposals are the removal of “allocables” and “leadership funds,” stricter controls or the possible abolition of unprogrammed appropriations, and enhanced transparency in infrastructure planning and spending.
He also pushed for amendments to Republic Act 6770, or the Ombudsman Act, to expand investigative powers, grant fiscal autonomy, and institutionalize whistleblower protection.
Other measures include defining and penalizing infrastructure fraud and bid-rigging, authorizing hold departure orders in large-scale corruption cases, and digitizing Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to strengthen oversight.
To address audit independence, Lacson said reforms are being considered to recall Commission on Audit personnel from agencies they audit to avoid conflicts of interest.
“These legislative reforms seek to dismantle the very anatomy of the flood control scam – paralyzing corrupt actors, overhauling broken mechanisms, and severing the workflows that feed this systemic greed,” he said.
Despite differing views among senators on the report, Lacson maintained that due process will ultimately determine liability.
“If the allegations are false, the process clears them. If true, the process convicts – with due process and accountability,” he said. (PNA)
