Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Friday said the Senate is 'getting there' in efforts to hold accountable those behind alleged anomalies in flood-control projects, as he vowed full support for ongoing investigations and prosecution efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson issued the statement after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) formally endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman the graft, plunder, and bribery complaints against former Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co.
Lacson expressed optimism about the progress being made, stating, "We're getting there. We are beginning to see the fruits of our collective labor. But make no mistake: the road ahead is long, and we must sustain our efforts until we reach the logical conclusion - the prosecution, conviction, and jailing of those involved."
As the chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson emphasized that the investigation is focused on evidence-gathering to uncover corruption behind substandard and so-called ghost flood-control projects. On Friday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and ICI Commissioner Rogelio Singson submitted several boxes of documents to the Ombudsman, covering more than PHP100 billion worth of contracts involving Co's firms, Sunwest Inc., and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp., from 2016 to 2025.
Singson mentioned that additional documents are expected from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces inspection teams deployed to project sites. Lacson had previously highlighted alleged irregularities in two privilege speeches delivered in August and September, pointing out systemic corruption within the DPWH, including instances where public funds were reportedly squandered in casinos.
He noted that copies of his speeches, along with supporting documents, have been transmitted to both the ICI and the Ombudsman to aid case-building efforts. Despite recent progress, Lacson acknowledged the investigation's extensive scale. Singson estimated that at least 15 individuals per ghost project-or about 1,200 people for the initial 80 suspected ghost projects-may face charges.
Lacson reaffirmed his commitment to the investigation by stating, "I will extend my full support by providing the mandated investigating and prosecution agencies with whatever documents and other evidence we have. We can all help in making those involved answerable."
