Lacson Hits Back at Corrupt Lawmakers Who Applauded PBBM
PING LACSON – The senator openly criticized lawmakers he described as “shameless hypocrites” for applauding a pointed remark made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA). The President had declared, “Mahiya naman kayo!” while addressing corruption issues related to flood control projects.
Lacson took to social media, stating, “I would like to think that the standing ovation during the President’s SONA meant that there were still members of Congress whose hands remain unsoiled by grease money from the graft-ridden flood control projects. The others who also applauded were simply shameless hypocrites.”
In a radio interview, Lacson said some lawmakers were caught off guard by the President’s words, which led them to clap reflexively. He observed that others appeared hesitant—looking around before standing and joining the applause.
He added, “Ako gusto ko pa ring maniwala na marami-rami naman doon sa audience na hindi nadumihan ng grasa ng pera ng flood control projects. Marami doon. Kaya ang pumalakpak doon at sumama sa standing ovation totoo ‘yan, natutuwa sila. Pero marami din naman doon na nagpalakpak, talagang sabihin nating shameless na ipokrito at ipokrita.”
When asked for his reaction to proposals by some lawmakers to summon officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for a congressional inquiry into the flood control and management projects, Lacson simply responded, “Naku po,” expressing skepticism.
Lacson stressed the importance of an independent audit and investigation into these projects. He warned that if only government officials—especially those from the DPWH—are involved, the outcome may be whitewashed or manipulated. He urged that civilians be included in the process to ensure transparency and credibility.
He pointed out that since 2011, the DPWH has received nearly ₱2 trillion in funding for flood control, yet flooding remains a persistent issue. This, he said, indicates that the problem is not just about funding but about accountability.
Meanwhile, Lacson expressed hope that DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan will resist political pressure from lawmakers pushing for personal or district-specific projects, particularly those with influence over the assignment of district engineers.