Senator Panfilo Lacson said senators are not exempt from suspicion in the controversy over anomalous and ghost flood control projects, stressing that both the Senate and House insert amendments into the national budget.
Lacson admitted it is possible some senators profit from insertions, getting a cut or even choosing contractors for projects.
“I am not saying it’s just members of the House. It is possible that some senators introduce insertions for such projects, and may even profit from the 25% share for the ‘funder’ or proponent of the insertions from the flood control project costs,” the senator told DZRH radio.
“I’ll put it this way. There may be senators and House members who may be connected to anomalous flood control projects,” he said in a separate interview on DZMM.
While he refused to name names without proof, Lacson said transparency is key. Lawmakers behind insertions must be identified so the public can trace questionable projects back to their proponents, according to him.
He warned that without full disclosure, systemic corruption will continue, citing ghost projects in Bulacan as an example. “Those involved in the corruption have become overconfident such that they disregard public perception, opinion and need. They close their eyes to the public in favor of their greed, thus the ghost projects so that all those involved will profit.”
Lacson urged citizens to report anomalies through platforms like SumbongSaPangulo, and expressed hope that major players behind the scam will eventually be charged, convicted, and jailed to deter others from exploiting the system.IMT
