Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday defended the investigation conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, emphasizing that the findings are evidence-based and intended to guide prosecution without prejudging those implicated. In a privilege speech, Lacson addressed criticism regarding the probe and the delay in signing its partial report, underscoring that the inquiry is based on documents, testimonies, and multiple hearings conducted in aid of legislation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson highlighted that developments outside the Senate indicate the probe is producing tangible results, with enforcement agencies taking action based on evidence uncovered during the hearings. He noted that the Anti-Money Laundering Council has secured freeze orders amounting to 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 been initiated by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice, including the filing of graft, malversation, and falsification cases. Special panels have been formed to handle so-called ghost projects. At least four key witnesses have 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. He noted that the developments demonstrate the probe's contribution to accountability efforts and the necessity for systemic reforms, even though the report has yet to be formally filed pending required signatures.
In addition to accountability measures, Lacson outlined legislative proposals aimed at addressing a systemic corruption network in flood control projects. Key proposals include the removal of 'allocables' and 'leadership funds,' stricter controls or possible abolition of unprogrammed appropriations, and enhanced transparency in infrastructure planning and spending.
He also advocated for amendments to Republic Act 6770, or the Ombudsman Act, to expand investigative powers, grant fiscal autonomy, and institutionalize whistleblower protection. Other measures proposed 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 ensure audit independence, Lacson mentioned potential reforms to recall Commission on Audit personnel from agencies they audit to prevent conflicts of interest. He asserted that these legislative reforms aim to dismantle the structure of the flood control scam, paralyzing corrupt actors, overhauling broken mechanisms, and severing workflows that perpetuate systemic greed.
Despite differing views among senators on the report, Lacson maintained that due process will ultimately determine liability. He stated, 'If the allegations are false, the process clears them. If true, the process convicts - with due process and accountability.'
