Following his announcement earlier this week, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson delivered a chairman’s progress report on the Senate blue ribbon committee’s flood control probe on May 5, 2026, despite failing to secure enough votes for formal filing. He cited the public’s urgent demand for transparency on the flood control scandal, with only seven senators signing the report.
In a privilege speech on Tuesday, May 5, 2026— as previewed in a recent interview— Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson defended delivering the partial committee report, which had been circulated to members nearly three months earlier and remained pending for sponsorship due to insufficient signatures. “While the partial committee report... remains pending for sponsorship, I cannot ignore the public’s urgent demand for transparency regarding the flood control scandal,” Lacson said.
The report is based on hearings starting August 19, 2025. The seven signatories are Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, and Lacson himself. Nine signatures are required from the 17-member committee for filing and sponsorship.
Raffy Tulfo, despite signing, expressed reservations: “Cannot, in good conscience, agree with the recommendation that narrows the scope of further investigation to a handful of our colleagues in this chamber.” He called for probing other government contractors and House members as well.
The report exposes a systemic corruption scheme in flood control projects, including ghost and substandard works, kickbacks, and collusion among officials and contractors. It recommends reforms such as stricter procurement rules, enhanced oversight, stronger whistleblower protections, and potentially scrapping unprogrammed funds. “Hindi po ito isang hatol,” Lacson emphasized, noting it would aid authorities in legal actions.
