Tag: flood control projects

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Lacson: Public Deserves Facts, Not False Narratives on Flood Control Probe

The public deserves facts – not false narratives – on the flood control issue.

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this Friday as he finalized his move to bring the panel’s accomplishments so far to the plenary, amid questions raised by some lawmakers over the focus on partial findings.

Lacson said that while all members of the Blue Ribbon panel – both ex-officio and regular – are entitled to their opinions, he is determined to elevate the matter to the plenary, to keep the public informed and to counter misinformation.

“I am decided to bring up in plenary the contents and more of what we have accomplished so far after seven or eight committee hearings. 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,” he said.

In Filipino: Lacson: Karapatan ng Publiko ang Katotohanan, Hindi Pekeng Naratibo sa Flood Control Probe

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Lacson to Present Flood Control Progress Report in Privilege Speech

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is set to present the panel’s Chairman’s Progress Report on the flood control scandal in a privilege speech when the Senate resumes session in May.

Lacson said this will pave the way for the resumption of hearings on the flood control mess, as the partial committee report has yet to secure the needed signatures for filing and sponsorship in plenary.

“I will present it via a privilege speech entitled ‘The Chairman’s FCP Progress Report.’ At least kung privilege speech, since ayaw magpirma ng ibang members, I don’t have to consult them (Other committee members do not seem keen on signing the partial report. If I present it via a privilege speech, I would not need to consult them),” he said.

In Filipino: Lacson, Maghahain ng Flood Control Progress Report sa Privilege Speech

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Lacson: Romualdez Should Have Heeded Blue Ribbon Invitations to Refute Budget ‘Mangling’ Allegations

Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez should have heeded invitations to attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s hearings last November and January to refute allegations linking him to the “mangling” of the 2025 budget, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Wednesday.

Lacson said the committee issued at least two official invitations to Romualdez to testify on the budget controversy, which has been linked to anomalous flood control projects and other irregularities.

“The Blue Ribbon Committee gave the former speaker at least two chances through official invitations to testify under oath and public scrutiny to what may be his strong argument against allegations of masterminding the ‘mangling beyond recognition’ of the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference, which he now claims to have been made by only two people – then SP (Senate President Francis) Chiz Escudero and ex Cong and House Appropriations Chairman (Elizaldy) Zaldy Co,” Lacson said in a post on X.

In Filipino: Lacson: Dapat Sinunod ni Romualdez ang Mga Imbitasyon ng Blue Ribbon para Sagutin ang Alegasyon sa Pagkalikot sa 2025 Badyet

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Lacson: Zaldy Co’s Potential BRC Appearance Could Boost Support for Partial Report

The possible appearance of arrested ex-Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee could prompt more senators to sign the panel’s partial report, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said late Friday.

Lacson said the decision now rests with the committee members, especially those who have been calling for the hearings to resume and for Co to be questioned.

“Co’s arrest is a good development because now it’s up to them to ensure that the hearings resume. It’s on them – do they want the hearings to continue and for Co to be grilled? The burden is now on them to sign the partial report,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on Storycon on One News.

In Filipino: Lacson: Posibleng Pagharap ni Zaldy Co sa BRC, Maaaring Magpalakas ng Suporta sa Partial Report

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Lacson Welcomes Lifestyle Check on 26 ‘Cong-tractors’

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Friday welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman’s order for a lifestyle check on 26 “cong-tractors,” or House members allegedly involved as contractors in government projects.

Lacson said it was “well and good” that the Ombudsman had started gathering evidence on the supposed “cong-tractors,” noting the issue clearly involves conflict of interest.

“It is a good development. If the Ombudsman has names and proof, it should investigate them because that is a clear conflict of interest. Imagine, you insert projects in the budget for projects where you are the contractor,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lifestyle Check sa 26 ‘Cong-tractors,’ Welcome kay Lacson

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