Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson is calling for a full inter-agency investigation into accusations linking Cabinet officials to alleged irregularities in flood control projects, warning against premature dismissal of serious claims that affect public trust.

Rather than brushing aside allegations as “hearsay,” Lacson said the government must allow independent institutions to do what they are mandated to do: investigate, verify, and follow the money.

⚖️ Why an Inter-Agency Probe Matters

Lacson stressed that flood control controversies are too serious to be handled through press statements or political counter-accusations.

An inter-agency probe allows:

• Cross-checking of budget documents

• Verification of testimonies with official records

• Financial tracing of fund releases and movements

• Accountability without political shielding

“Instead of prematurely dismissing accusations, there should be an honest-to-goodness inter-agency investigation,” Lacson said.

🧾 Evidence Exists — and It Must Be Examined

As chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson noted that:

• Senate hearings have produced testimonies supported by documents

• Budget books show lists of items corroborating claims

• A broader “web of accounts” may reveal how funds moved across agencies

These, he said, are not matters for spin, but for institutions like the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and other oversight bodies.

🦅 AGILA TAKE

Kapag may ebidensya,
imbestigahan.
Kapag may duda,
linawin.

Ang minamadali lang itapon,
katotohanan ang nawawala.

⚠️ Rule of Law Over Political Defense

Lacson cautioned that dismissing allegations outright risks:

• Deepening public distrust

• Fueling suspicion of a cover-up

• Weakening institutional credibility

He added that public anger — including from faith groups and civil society — is not the problem.

The real problem is when answers are replaced by denials.

📖 Biblical Reflection

“Plans succeed with good counsel.”
— Proverbs 20:18

Justice is not afraid of scrutiny.
Truth survives investigation.

🧠 Why This Matters

Flood control failures don’t just waste money — they endanger lives.

Lacson’s call reframes the debate:
👉 If there is nothing to hide, then there is nothing to fear from a real investigation.

Governance earns trust not by denial, but by openness to the truth.

Timeline Matters: Lacson Denies Senators’ Role in Alleged DPWH Budget Insertions

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has firmly rejected claims that senators elected in 2022 were involved in alleged budget insertions in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the 2025 national budget.

Lacson’s response zeroes in on a point often ignored in public outrage:

👉 The timeline does not support the accusation.

⏱️ Why the Timeline Is Crucial

According to Lacson, the 2025 national budget was crafted and approved by the 19th Congress, before senators elected in May 2022 even assumed office.

This means:

• Newly elected senators could not have participated in drafting DPWH allocations

• Claims must clearly distinguish which Congress approved the budget

• Sweeping allegations risk misleading the public and unfairly implicating officials

“Congressman Leviste should at least qualify his statement with the phrase ‘in the 19th Congress’ in fairness to new members,” Lacson said.

🧾 Request vs. Insertion

Lacson reiterated a key distinction often blurred in budget debates:

• Submitting project requests to agencies is a routine legislative function

• Insertions refer to items added outside the National Expenditure Program (NEP) without proper process

Not every name on a document equals wrongdoing.

Precision, Lacson stressed, is essential if accountability is to mean anything.

🦅 AGILA TAKE

Hindi lahat ng nakapirma ay may sala.
Hindi lahat ng request ay singit.
Kapag mali ang petsa,
mali ang paratang.

⚖️ Protecting Due Process

Lacson warned that careless accusations can:

• Damage reputations without evidence

• Distract investigators from real anomalies

• Allow actual offenders to hide behind public confusion

As chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he emphasized that facts, documents, and chronology — not noise — must guide investigations.

📖 Biblical Reflection

“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”
— Proverbs 24:26

Truth spoken clearly
is justice served faithfully.

🧠 Why This Matters

Public anger against corruption is justified — but misdirected blame weakens reform.

Lacson’s clarification reframes the issue:
👉 Hold the right people accountable, in the right forum, using the right facts.

Accountability collapses when accuracy is abandoned.