Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga has moved to investigate a viral photo showing Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson with members of the Discaya family, who are embroiled in the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.
The Discayas, led by Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Cruz Discaya, head several construction firms that cornered a large share of government flood control contracts in recent years. Their companies — including Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation — have been linked to alleged “ghost projects,” substandard works, and claims of kickbacks funneled to lawmakers, accusations now under scrutiny in the Senate and House hearings.
Lacson was quick to downplay any insinuation of impropriety, explaining that the image was taken in the last week of April, just before the campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections ended. He said the Discayas’ daughter was brought to his Taguig office by campaign supporter Fred Villaroman to extend an invitation to a rally in Davao, which he declined.
“I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the Blue Ribbon committee hearings that I met them. That meeting took around 15-20 minutes but not before that group photo was taken,” Lacson said.
The senator emphasized that he has never had dealings with the Discayas apart from that brief encounter and his official participation in flood control hearings, which continue to probe allegations that contractors like the Discayas’ firms paid hefty cuts — up to 25 percent — to lawmakers in exchange for project approvals.
