Lacson Slams “Shameless Hypocrites” in ⁢Congress Over flood Control Funds

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo Lacson has sharply criticized members of Congress who applauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remarks on flood control projects during his State of the Nation address (SONA), ⁢labeling‌ many ⁤as “shameless hypocrites” and ⁣suggesting their applause was a veiled admission of their involvement in corrupt practices.

Lacson expressed his sentiments in a series of posts on X and a subsequent radio interview,⁤ reacting to the standing ​ovation that followed the President’s mention of ‌alleged “grease money” siphoned from flood control projects.

Allegations of Graft and “Grease Money”

“I would like to think that the standing ovation during the president’s SONA meant that there were still members of Congress whose hands remain unsoiled by grease ⁤money from the graft-ridden flood control ⁤projects,” Lacson stated. He ‍further elaborated on X, calling ⁣those who applauded⁣ without genuine ⁤concern “shameless hypocrites.”

During a radio interview, Lacson observed that many lawmakers appeared “stunned” by the President’s candid remark before joining⁤ the applause. “They seemed​ surprised and were looking around before joining the standing ovation and the applauding,” he said in Filipino, implying a collective unease among those potentially implicated.

Calls for Transparency ‍and independent Examination

Lacson urged Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan to “resist” pressure from lawmakers to insert their preferred projects and to dictate the appointment of district engineers within the Department of Public Works and ⁣Highways (DPWH).

Responding to proposals for a congressional inquiry into flood control and management projects,Lacson expressed dismay,stating,”Nakupo ⁢(Oh,my).” He cited information from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong,suggesting⁢ that lawmakers’ cuts in infrastructure projects could range from 35 percent,potentially⁣ escalating to‌ 50 percent for flood control projects.

He drew a parallel to the early 2010s, referencing ⁣the pork barrel scam involving⁤ Janet Lim-Napoles, where lawmakers allegedly received up to 65 percent for ghost projects, ​with ​Napoles ⁤retaining 35 ⁢percent and allocating 15 percent for “paperwork.”

Lacson also ‌highlighted a concerning‌ trend ​where at least 67 House members were identified as contractors in 2022, a number he believes may have increased. He⁢ pointed out the lack of transparency⁣ in the budget process, notably during bicameral conference committee meetings, where project insertions often go unrecorded. ⁤”There are no minutes or records. The only sign would be the project in a district with signs ‍showing who proposed it,”⁤ he explained.

Expanding the Scope of Investigation

Lacson emphasized that the President’s ordered investigation should extend beyond the DPWH, which has been allocated‍ nearly P2 ⁣trillion for flood control projects⁣ since 2011 without effectively mitigating flooding.

He proposed that while government agencies can conduct the probe, civilian participation​ is‌ crucial.”It cannot be all-government because many perceive the DPWH​ is‍ involved,and that it⁤ may ‍whitewash its findings and give ‌the president a sanitized and untruthful report,” Lacson argued.

He advocated ‌for the ​formation of an independent body with civilian involvement, suggesting ⁤that many citizens, particularly​ from civil society and ​non-governmental organizations, are eager to contribute.‌ “Many people are tired of the corruption and are willing​ to⁣ help, especially civil society and‌ nongovernment ⁢organizations. They are willing to give the information they got from the ground,” ⁣he concluded.