Tag: flood control

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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

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Lacson Reaffirms Evidence-Led Probe into Alleged Cash Delivery Scheme Involving Ex-Military Men Amid INC Statement

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson reaffirmed Saturday that evidence will remain the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s guide in probing the alleged cash delivery scheme involving former military personnel, amid comments by the Iglesia ni Cristo on the issue.

Lacson also maintained his respect for the Iglesia ni Cristo and its opinion on the issue, as he pointed out that having a different opinion does not automatically mean disrespect.

“As chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, I haven’t changed my position about being led by evidence guided only by the prudent and logical way of treating any information that comes to my attention – evaluate and validate the credibility and reliability of both the source as well as the information itself before taking action,” he said.

In FIlipino: Lacson, Muling Pinagtibay ang Evidence-Based na Imbestigasyon sa Umano’y Cash Delivery Scheme na Kinasasangkutan ng mga Ex-Militar

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Lacson Calls Out Marcoleta’s ‘Fake’ Premises on Blue Ribbon Probe, Ethics ‘Complaint’

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Sunday called out the “fake” premises cited by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta regarding the Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the flood control scandal, and an ethics complaint he has threatened to file against him.

Lacson said Marcoleta’s call to summon former Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin to the Blue Ribbon probe over alleged text messages with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was baseless, noting Bersamin was not mentioned in the committee’s records.

As for Marcoleta’s prospective ethics complaint over a supposed spliced video, Lacson said it was similarly unfounded.

“He’s been basing his statements and accusations on wrong premises. They’re all fake,” he said in English and Filipino, in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson, Tinuligsa ang Mga Pekeng Banat ni Marcoleta sa Blue Ribbon Probe at Bantang Ethics Complaint

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Lacson: Measures Empowering Ombudsman Among Blue Ribbon’s Partial Recommendations on Flood Control Mess

Proposed legislation to strengthen the fight against corruption by empowering the Office of the Ombudsman will be among the partial recommendations of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee following its investigation into the flood control scandal, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Thursday.

Lacson said these include allowing the undermanned Office of the Ombudsman to deputize private lawyers as prosecutors, and giving it a law enforcement arm to apply for search warrants and follow up the investigation of corruption-related cases.

“One recommendation is based on the suggestion of former Senate President Franklin Drilon to allow the Ombudsman to deputize private lawyers to help in prosecuting cases, because the Office of the Ombudsman is very undermanned. If we allow it to deputize private lawyers to act as prosecutors by way of legislation, that would be a good measure,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: Mga Panukalang Magpapalakas sa Ombudsman Kabilang sa Bahagyang Rekomendasyon ng Blue Ribbon sa Isyu ng Flood Control

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Lacson to DPWH: Prepare to Deal with ‘Unwilling’ Contractors

Amid the reforms put in place for this year’s budget, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must prepare to deal with contractors who are not willing to participate in the bidding of projects due to lower costs of construction materials, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Tuesday.

Lacson said this is especially true for contractors used to huge profits because of their early advances to some legislators and DPWH and other officials, after the National Expenditure Program (NEP) was finalized.

“The DPWH should anticipate how to deal with contractors ‘unwilling’ to participate in the bidding of projects due to reduced cost of construction materials. Their early advances to legislators after the NEP was finalized will not help obviate a looming infrastructure crisis,” he said on his X account.

In Filipino: Lacson sa DPWH: Humanda sa Mga ‘Magmamatigas’ na Kontratista

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