Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson at the Philippine Senate. (File photo courtesy of Pinglacson.net)
The Senate re-elects Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as Blue Ribbon chair, reviving the flood-control corruption probe with hearings set for November 14
MANILA — The Senate on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, re-elected Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as chair of the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), reinstating the veteran lawmaker to one of the chamber’s most powerful oversight posts.
The motion, introduced by Sen. JV Ejercito, was approved without objection and affirmed by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. The move clears the way for the Senate to resume its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood-control and public-works projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The probe had been on pause since Lacson stepped down in early October.
Return to leadership after one-month hiatus
Lacson resigned from the post on October 6, citing procedural disagreements over how the committee hearings were being conducted. During his absence, Sen. Erwin Tulfo served as acting chair.
Focus of the investigation
The ongoing probe centers on reports of overpriced, substandard, and “ghost” flood-control projects allegedly carried out in several provinces. Audit findings flagged irregularities in a ₱5.2-billion infrastructure allocation meant for flood-mitigation programs.
Parallel executive actions are also underway. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), with approval from the Court of Appeals, has issued multiple freeze orders targeting assets of individuals and contractors linked to the questioned projects. The Office of the Ombudsman and the Inter-Agency Coordinating Investigation (ICI) are conducting separate fact-finding reviews to determine administrative and criminal liability.
Lawmakers among next witnesses
What Lacson’s leadership signals
A former national police chief and long-time anti-corruption advocate, Lacson is known for his methodical questioning and disciplined approach to oversight. His reinstatement signals renewed direction for a politically sensitive investigation that has drawn scrutiny over how infrastructure funds are managed and monitored.
Observers note that Lacson’s track record in fiscal oversight could bring structure and continuity to the proceedings, restoring momentum to a probe many view as a test of legislative independence and accountability. His leadership also underscores the Senate’s continuing effort to separate political narratives from institutional reform.
Next phase of the Senate inquiry
The committee’s upcoming sessions will focus on procurement trails, contractor accreditation, and internal audit findings. Senators are expected to invite officials from the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to clarify fund releases and project documentation.
Lawmakers from both chambers have urged restraint and objectivity, emphasizing that the hearings should produce legislative reforms rather than partisan spectacle. The outcome of the revived probe could determine whether new checks on infrastructure funding are institutionalized or whether the controversy fades like many before it.
