Tag: corruption

Posted on

Lacson Probes DPWH Infra Project List ‘Requested’ by CA Panel Member for Bonoan Confirmation

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is investigating a list of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control and other infrastructure projects reportedly “requested” by a Commission on Appointments panel member in exchange for the confirmation of then DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan in late 2022.

Lacson said Saturday that the information surfaced while he and his staff continue to inspect suspected anomalous flood control projects in other parts of the country.

“We received information that during a CA hearing for Bonoan’s confirmation as DPWH secretary, the confirmation process was used for such a transaction,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM, citing information from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

In Filipino: Lacson Iniimbestigahan ang Listahan ng DPWH Infra Projects na ‘Hiningi’ ng CA Panel Member para sa Bonoan Confirmation

Continue reading “Lacson Probes DPWH Infra Project List ‘Requested’ by CA Panel Member for Bonoan Confirmation”

Posted on

Lacson: Blue Ribbon Door Not Closed to 18 ‘Ex-Marines,’ but Affidavits Must Reflect Reality

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is not closing its doors to the 18 “ex-Marines” who claimed delivering kickbacks to certain personalities – so long as their testimonies will reflect reality, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon panel Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said that had the testimonies of the 18 fallen within the “realm of possibilities,” the Committee would have long invited them and listened to what they had to say.

“While the Blue Ribbon Committee’s doors are not closed to them, they just need to correct their statements so the hearing does not turn into a circus,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino, in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: Bukas pa ang Pinto ng Blue Ribbon sa 18 ‘Ex-Marines,’ Pero Kailangang Ilapit sa Katotohanan ang Kanilang Affidavit

Continue reading “Lacson: Blue Ribbon Door Not Closed to 18 ‘Ex-Marines,’ but Affidavits Must Reflect Reality”

Posted on

Lacson: If You Can’t Compute the Truth, Don’t Talk About Numbers

If one does not know how to compute the truth, he should not talk about numbers – lest he risk flunking the test of believability as in the case of the alleged P805-billion cash delivery scheme, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson also addressed suggestions that he simply call the 18 ex-soldiers to attend a hearing just so they can “fall flat on their lies,” stressing that the Blue Ribbon Committee’s hearings are intended to uncover the truth, not simply expose lies.

“The tale of P805B ‘maletas’: If you do not know how to compute the truth, don’t talk about numbers to quantify probabilities, or face the consequence of failing the test of believability,” he said in a post on his X account.

In Filipino: Lacson: Kung Hindi Mo Kayang Kwentahin ang Katotohanan, Huwag Kang Magbanggit ng mga Numero

Continue reading “Lacson: If You Can’t Compute the Truth, Don’t Talk About Numbers”

Posted on

Lacson Raises Questions of ‘Logic and Basic Math’ on Cash Delivery Claims of 18 Ex-‘Marines’

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Monday raised questions concerning the logic and “basic mathematics” behind the claims of 18 former military men linked to a P805-billion cash delivery scheme, before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee can convene a hearing on the matter.

In a privilege speech, Lacson said this is not meant to belittle the testimonies of the 18, but to ensure that the credibility and reliability of the information sources and the information itself “adhere to rational and logical standards of believability.”

“To be clear, while every imputation of a crime warrants our attention, none deserves our blind deference. In the same manner that everyone has a right to be heard, it is not a license to mislead. Hence, while I reserve judgment on the merits of the testimonies, I am duty-bound to raise questions of logic and – at the very least – basic mathematics,” he said.

“Siguradong bibigyang-kulay na naman ng mga trolls ang mga tanong na ito. Pero isipin na lang natin: kung magagamit ang mga nasabing alegasyon bilang instrumento ng propaganda o anumang motibo, hindi ba dapat ay logical at mathematically possible man lamang ang mga akusasyon (I am sure trolls will throw shade on these questions. But we must think: if the allegations are used as instruments of propaganda, shouldn’t they at least be logical and mathematically possible)?” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson, Nagtanong sa ‘Logic and Basic Math’ ng mga Pahayag sa Cash Delivery ng 18 Ex-‘Marines’

Continue reading “Lacson Raises Questions of ‘Logic and Basic Math’ on Cash Delivery Claims of 18 Ex-‘Marines’”

Posted on

Lacson Weighs ‘Believability’ of Ex-Soldiers’ Cash Delivery Story

The math doesn’t lie – and right now, the story of 18 ex-military men on supposedly delivering P805 billion in cash to certain individuals still doesn’t add up, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Monday.

A still-wary Lacson said that if all the details of the 18 ex-soldiers were true, those behind the cash delivery scheme would not have finished their deliveries until 2028 at the earliest.

“Even as we speak, I continue to fact-check the claims. It would be hard to call a hearing if these were lacking in believability,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino, in an interview on DZMM radio.

In Filipino: Lacson, Tinitimbang ang ‘Believability’ ng Kuwento ng mga Dating Sundalo sa Paghahatid ng Pera

Continue reading “Lacson Weighs ‘Believability’ of Ex-Soldiers’ Cash Delivery Story”