Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson stated on Wednesday that the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation into alleged flood control anomalies has yet to pinpoint a single 'overall mastermind.' Instead, it has revealed a pattern of localized and interconnected corruption.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson, who also chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, mentioned that evidence collected by the panel suggests irregularities are driven by multiple actors within specific areas rather than a centralized figure orchestrating the scheme. Lacson noted, "I don't think there's an overall mastermind. bawat region o bawat district may sarili (each region or district appears to have its own)," during a Kapihan sa Senado forum.

He further explained that the corruption appears interlocking, with each region having its own operations that align with one another. "Interlocking itong nangyayari. May kanya-kanyang galaw pero nagkakatugma (What's happening is interlocking. Each has their own moves but they align)," he added.

Lacson emphasized that the corruption pattern stems from greed, where officials and contractors exploit public works projects through either substandard implementation or ghost projects. "Greed ito. kaya nagkakaroon ng ganitong kalakaran (This is driven by greed. that's why these schemes happen)," Lacson said.

The committee will continue to focus on specific cases, particularly those found to be defective or nonexistent, as it broadens the investigation to Visayas and Mindanao. Lacson added that the findings of the panel would contribute to its recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice for the possible filing of charges.