MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials against retracting their sworn statements in the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal, emphasizing that the cases would continue regardless, backed by strong documentary and circumstantial evidence. In a January 12, 2026, interview, Lacson advised cooperation, restitution, and potential discharge as state witnesses, noting that recantations could lead to perjury charges with penalties up to 12 years imprisonment, a P1 million fine, and perpetual disqualification for government officials.
Lacson highlighted that witness testimonies are not standalone, supported by budget records, surrendered assets (e.g., P181.37 million cash from former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and luxury vehicles from assistant engineer Brice Hernandez), frozen AMLC accounts, and reports from multiple agencies. He described returned assets as admissions of wrongdoing, strengthening cases against implicated parties.
The Senate blue ribbon committee resumes hearings on January 19, with subpoenas for no-show witnesses like ex-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, ex-Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, businessman Meynard Ngu, and resigned lawmaker Elizaldy Co. Lacson may invite Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and seek clarification on a P50 billion budget release. The “Cabral files” from late DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral require DPWH authentication before use.
A rumored recantation from Alcantara (implicating Sen. Joel Villanueva) remains unconfirmed by the DOJ, which continues investigations.
Lacson speaking on the flood control scandal in the Senate.
Key Quotes
- “Their better course of action is to continue cooperating, with the corresponding restitution and hope that they will be discharged as state witnesses by the courts or given shorter jail terms.”
- “Their statements are not stand-alone evidence. The case won’t die or collapse on the basis of their recantation.”
- “That’s another thing, they returned (money and vehicles)…that’s a proof that they are admitting they stole something. That’s another evidence that can be used against them or the people they implicated.”
The scandal involves anomalous flood projects with kickbacks; Lacson’s stance reinforces that retractions won’t halt justice.