Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Sunday warned that growing calls for a civil military junta or a military-backed government amid to massive corruption in flood control projects pose a direct threat to the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be placed on full alert starting Nov. 28 in preparation for the Trillion-Peso March protest set for Nov. 30, NCRPO spokesperson Police Maj. Hazel Asilo said.
Lacson said the push for extra legal options has intensified as public anger rises over what many quarters viewed as systemic corruption.
“Although public anger over the corruption behind the anomalous flood control projects should continue, it should not lead to violations of the Constitution,” the veteran lawmaker stressed.
In a statement, Lacson revealed that he recently received messages from retired military officers suggesting the creation of a civilian-military body and even inviting him to take part in the exercise.
He said he ignored the propositions, noting that no unconstitutional solution will produce a good outcome for the country.
“Many people let their minds run wild, because when there is a crisis like this, especially with corruption so rampant now, you cannot blame some of them for thinking of all sorts of things,” the senator admitted.
Lacson pointed to a recent conversation with Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, saying the Church supports efforts to pursue accountability without encouraging violence or unrest.
He said Church leaders also believe violence will not yield any positive outcome for the country.
The lawmaker cited the government’s recent move to issue arrest warrants against former Rep. Elizaldy Co and several others as a sign that efforts to address corruption are underway.
He added that senators from both majority and minority blocs are united in pushing for reforms to make the 2026 national budget transparent and free from political manipulation.
“In terms of the investigation, we can send a copy even without a Committee Report yet. The report is just a formality. It is not only for legislation; we can also furnish the DOJ and the Ombudsman so they can use the testimonies from the hearings,” Lacson said.
In a radio interview, Asilo said the NCRPO is currently on heightened alert following the two-day protest action organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo, whereby security planning and coordination with concerned agencies have been activated.
“The full alert is for all uniformed personnel who could be mobilized in case of exigencies,” Asilo explained.
She added that NCRPO cops will be deployed in teams assigned to civil disturbance management, negotiation, monitoring, and arrest.
The NCRPO will also conduct live monitoring using CCTVs to test prompt response in case there is a sudden surge of people.
Asilo said that they received the permit for the protest at the EDSA People Power Monument, which will be held until 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Mendiola Street in Manila near Malacanang Palace is off limits to protest actions and any form of assembly, according to Asilo.
The Trillion People Mobilization–Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot said the massive protest on Nov. 30 set to take place at the Luneta in Manila, EDSA in Quezon City, and other key sites aims to call out the government to take stronger action and institute reforms to safeguard public funds amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption tied to flood control projects.
