Sen. Panfilo Lacson has expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to distance himself from allies involved in anomalous flood control deals, saying this deserves encouragement from the public.
“The President is on a roll and we should encourage him some more,” Lacson said, referring to Marcos Jr.’s firm stance against corruption, especially in his recent “Mahiya naman kayo” remark during the State of the Nation Address on July 28.
Lacson noted that Marcos Jr.’s announcement that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has submitted a report on defective flood control projects is a key step toward holding erring contractors and officials accountable.
“I am confident na ‘mahihiya naman ang Pangulo (the President will be embarrassed)’ if he fails to walk the talk,” he added.
He revealed that since 2011, the DPWH has received over P2 trillion for flood control, yet flooding persists. He said flood-related spending is often hard to audit, especially dredging and desilting.
Lacson is conducting his own investigation into suspicious flood control projects. If he uncovers questionable projects not in the DPWH report, he plans to expose them publicly and submit findings to the agency or the Office of the President.
The senator also urged the DPWH to expand its review to other infrastructure projects, such as road works and maintenance.IMT
