Questions over a Senate panel report on alleged irregularities in flood control projects have drawn contrasting positions from lawmakers, as discussions continue on how the findings should be presented to the full chamber.
Panfilo Lacson, who leads the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, rejected claims that the inquiry is targeting only selected individuals. He said he intends to elevate the panel’s conclusions to the Senate floor even if the required number of signatories is not met for the report’s formal submission.
“There is an underlying reason for my decision – the Filipino people not only deserve to be updated but more so properly and accurately informed amid the false narratives being floated by some critics that we are being selective in going after the culprits in the flood control mess,” Lacson said.
He also linked the investigation to the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recalling that the president’s earlier State of the Nation Address encouraged closer scrutiny of public works spending.
“It must be recalled that it was PBBM (President Bongbong Maros) who triggered, even motivated me and my team to follow through on his ‘Mahiya naman kayo..’ SONA message last year,” he said.
According to Lacson, hearings conducted by the committee have already uncovered key evidence that contributed to legal actions being pursued by institutions such as the Sandiganbayan, Ombudsman, Department of Justice, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
Despite these developments, not all members of the 17-member panel have endorsed the draft report. Only six senators have signed so far, falling short of the nine signatures typically required.
Alan Peter Cayetano, however, urged caution in placing too much emphasis on a partial document, arguing that the inquiry should prioritize a broader understanding of the issue.
“Sa tingin ko, we’re making a mountain out of a molehill doon sa partial [report]. May opportunity tayo na ayusin ang ugat, hindi lang one-time, big-time,” Cayetano said during a media interview on April 28.
“Ito lang ang tanong ko: why so much fuss about the partial [report] when we have the opportunity to have the whole and bigger picture?” he added.
He noted that several senators have reviewed the report but do not share the same conclusions, stressing that differences in opinion are part of the legislative process.
“In fact, marami sa amin ang nakabasa na and we don’t agree with the report. Hindi sa ayaw naming pumirma, we [just] have a lot of disagreements there… That’s the beauty of having 24 senators – everyone can question,” he said.
Cayetano also maintained that the investigation remains incomplete, saying further stages of inquiry may still uncover additional details.
“Ako personally, hindi pa tapos. Iniimbestigahan mo pa lang, marami pang yugto, marami pang nabubuksan,” he said.
He further raised concerns about how the issue has been initially portrayed, suggesting that early claims may have overstated the extent of alleged anomalies.
“Ang unang naging problema is we didn’t start with the truth. ‘Di ba, from the start, sinasabi natin na hindi lahat ‘yan ghost [projects, pero] pinalabas na lahat ghost para mas maraming magalit. Ngayon, ina-admit nila na hindi naman pala lahat ghost,” he said.
“Systemic ‘yung corruption. Hindi ito isolated,” he added.
Lacson, for his part, emphasized that while he disagrees with colleagues who declined to sign the report, he recognizes their right to dissent, including that of the minority leader.
