Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Investigating the Flood Control Projects Scandal

Origins of the Investigation In August 2025, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee launched a motu proprio investigation dubbed "Philippines Under Water" into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Lacson initiated the inquiry through two privilege speeches titled "Flooded Gates of Corruption" Parts 1 and 2, with the first delivered on August 20, 2025, citing Bulacan as a hotspot for anomalous projects and linking irregularities to congressional insertions. What the Investigation Uncovered The probe exposed a massive, systemic corruption network estimated in the trillions of pesos. Lacson laid out how the scheme involved a network of actors: a "Contractors Group" that colluded to rig public biddings and monopolize flood control projects; key DPWH coordinators who managed allocations and orchestrated kickback collection; and intermediaries or bagmen who received illicit funds on behalf of their principals. Key findings included: Ghost projects and contractor monopolies. DPWH officials acknowledged possible "ghost" projects in Bulacan, particularly in Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Malolos, where a single firm reportedly bagged around ₱9 billion in contracts. Senators alleged that a small group of contractors had cornered contracts worth around ₱100 billion, raising serious concerns about competition and transparency. License renting and bid rigging. Reports emerged that contractor licenses rated triple-A or quadruple-A were being leased to smaller builders, a practice linked to substandard construction. Contractor Sarah Discaya admitted at a hearing that her nine construction firms had sometimes bid for the same government flood control projects simultaneously. High-level kickback allegations. Witness Orly Guteza testified that he regularly delivered luggage filled with cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's residence, with the amount allegedly totaling an estimated ₱1.68 billion. The committee's draft report also recommended legal action against Senators Escudero, Estrada, and Villanueva for allegedly receiving commissions from the flood control budget. Lacson's Approach and Leadership Style Throughout the proceedings, Lacson emphasized an evidence-driven approach. He assured the public that as chairman, he was guided only by evaluating and validating the credibility and reliability of both the source and the information itself before taking action. He stressed that the committee always follows where the evidence leads, without targeting any particular person or intending to cover up for anybody. When critics questioned the investigation's tangible results, Lacson pointed to investigations started by other government agencies, cases filed with the Sandiganbayan, the resignation of key players in budget manipulation, and reforms in the budget process including live streaming of bicameral meetings and safeguards to prevent vague infrastructure projects. The Draft Committee Report Lacson confirmed a draft report recommending charges against several incumbent senators and other officials, including fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan. However, the report became politically contentious. Several senators withdrew their signatures, saying they needed more time to review it, bringing the number of signatories well below the 11-member majority needed to submit it to the plenary. Lacson later adjusted the report's language, recommending "preliminary investigation" and "fact-finding investigation" rather than outright charges, though he maintained the substance remained the same. He also indicated openness to submitting a "Chairman's Report" to the Ombudsman and DOJ if not enough signatures could be gathered, noting that much of the material evidence that led to cases being filed came from the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings. In summary, Lacson's leadership of the Blue Ribbon probe has been one of the most consequential Senate investigations in recent Philippine history, exposing deeply embedded corruption networks linking contractors, DPWH officials, and legislators in the misuse of the country's flood control budget.

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