Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson expressed high hopes Tuesday that an independent commission being formed by Malacanang will not only look into anomalous flood control and other projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but also hold those involved accountable.
Lacson said the effectiveness of the independent investigating body will be measured by its ability to help deliver the certainty of punishment for those behind the anomalies, as he warned that failure to do so may embolden further corruption.
“Many will be watching the result of the independent investigation of the commission. The projected composition is to the hilt, and is potentially extensive and comprehensive enough to pinpoint accountability,” he said in Filipino in an interview on DZRH radio Tuesday.
“But as someone who came from law enforcement, delivering the certainty of punishment is key. If we don’t see anyone being punished, there will be those who will be emboldened to engage in corruption,” he added.
In Filipino: Lacson, Umaasa na Independent Body Titiyak ng Pananagutan sa Anomalya sa DPWH
Still, he said it is a “good move on the part of the President to create an independent body to investigate, adding he is willing to extend all assistance to it.
“In my capacity and with all the information we have so far gathered, I will extend whatever assistance I can offer, if requested, especially so that the DPWH has a dynamic, progressive-minded and reform-oriented head in the person of Sec Vince Dizon,” he said.
Lacson also hailed the reported inclusion of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the body, as this would further boost its credibility and effectiveness.
He said Magalong is likely to get on board after his concerns that he may need to resign from his post as Baguio City mayor were addressed.
“Magalong’s concern was that he could not leave his constituents behind if he had to resign as mayor. But an agreement has been reached where he does not need to resign. After all, his post and the independent commission are under the executive branch,” he said.
Last August, Lacson detailed the anomalies behind substandard and ghost flood control projects in a privilege speech.
On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Malacanang is finalizing an executive order to create the independent commission. He also noted irregularities are still being uncovered in the proposed budget for 2026.
Reports quoted the President as saying he envisions a multi-member body that can act independently, with the panel including lawyers, prosecutors and forensic investigators.
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Lacson, Umaasa na Independent Body Titiyak ng Pananagutan sa Anomalya sa DPWH
Mataas ang pag-asa ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson na ang independent commission na binubuo ng Malacañang ay hindi lamang tututok sa mga kuwestyonableng flood control at iba pang proyekto ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), kundi magtitiyak din ng pananagutan ng mga sangkot.
Ani Lacson, ang sukatan ng independent investigating body ay ang kakayahan nitong maghatid ng certainty of punishment para sa mga nasa likod ng mga anomalyang ito. Binalaan niya na kung hindi walang parusa, lalakas ang loob ng nagmamasid na gumawa ng katiwalian.
“Maraming nag-aabang sa result ng independent investigation ng commission na ike-create ng Pangulo. Ang composition sana, talagang to the hilt. Extensive, comprehensive para matukoy at ma-file-an ng kaso,” ani Lacson sa isang panayam sa DZRH radio nitong Martes.
“Sa akin galing ako sa law enforcement. Ang certainty of punishment napakaimportante. Pag walang nakikitang napaparusahan ang logical conclusion, mae-encourage pa yan sa nagmamasid sasabihin nila lumulusot naman, tayo na rin,” dagdag niya.
Gayunpaman, tinawag pa rin niyang isang “good move” ng Pangulo ang paglikha ng isang independent body upang magsagawa ng imbestigasyon, at idiniin na handa siyang magbigay ng lahat ng posibleng tulong dito.
“In my capacity and with all the information we have so far gathered, I will extend whatever assistance I can offer, if requested — especially so that the DPWH has a dynamic, progressive-minded and reform-oriented head in the person of Sec Vince Dizon,” ani Lacson.
Pinuri rin ni Lacson ang ulat na isasama sa komisyon si Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, na aniya ay magpapalakas pa sa kredibilidad at bisa ng naturang body.
Sinabi ni Lacson na malamang ay makikilahok si Magalong matapos maayos ang kanyang pangamba na baka kailangan niyang magbitiw bilang alkalde ng Baguio.
“Isang concern niya, nahiya siya sa constituents kung iiwanan niya. Mukhang may kasunduan bilang member ng commission di siya kailangan mag-resign. After all pareho namang under executive branch and ad hoc ang independent commission,” aniya.
Noong Agosto, inilahad ni Lacson sa isang privilege speech ang mga anomalyang bumabalot sa mga substandard at ghost flood control projects.
Noong Lunes, sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tinatapos na ng Malacañang ang isang executive order upang likhain ang independent commission. Binigyang-diin din niya na patuloy pang nadidiskubre ang mga iregularidad sa panukalang budget para sa 2026.
Ayon sa mga ulat, sinabi ng Pangulo na nakikita niyang bubuuin ang isang multi-member body na kikilos nang malaya, na kinabibilangan ng mga abogado, piskal, at forensic investigators.
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