Lacson: Insertions, kickbacks from flood control projects likely
Senator Panfilo Lacson said some members of the Upper Chamber may also be tied to the controversy surrounding anomalous and “ghost” flood control 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 percent share for the ‘funder’ or proponent of the insertions from the flood control project costs,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
“I’ll put it this way. There may be senators and House members who may be connected to anomalous flood control projects,” he added.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said at least 67 lawmakers were involved in flood-control projects, with some getting kickbacks as much as 30 to 40 percent of the budget.
Lacson, however, cautioned against naming names without proof.
He said he would make public his findings only after ensuring these are backed by solid factual basis.
Lacson acknowledged that lawmakers or senators who propose insertions for infrastructure projects may have the “right” to choose the contractors for the projects.
“When you insert, you have claim, or royalty, or the right to choose the contractor for the project,” he said.
Lacson said this is why he has been fighting for full transparency in the budgeting process, including putting on record the names of lawmakers proposing amendments to the budget.
Such full transparency, where proponents of insertions are publicly identified, not only allows the public to know where their taxes go but also acts as a deterrent to those making insertions for questionable projects.
“It will be easier to trace anomalous or ghost projects to the congressman or senator who proposed insertions for it,” he said.
“It’s hubris. 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,” he said.
But Lacson said he is also hoping that with the public now aware of the issue, they will report anomalies to the authorities, including through the Sumbong sa Pangulo website. This is the bigger challenge after his privilege speech last Aug. 20, he said.
“I am hoping the endgame is that the big fish will be held accountable – charged, prosecuted, convicted, and jailed, so they will not be emulated. So long as there are those who exploit the system, others will follow their bad example,” he said.
As this developed, Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian assured on Saturday there are no “ghost” or nonexistent flood control projects in his jurisdiction.
“I can say that all the flood control projects in the city, even the pumping stations, are not marred by anomalies. All projects were completed and are fully operational,” Gatchalian said.
The local chief executive added the city government has no authority over the bidding or contractor selection for Department of Public Works and Highways projects.
