Independent flood control probe pushed

Expressing fears of a whitewash, Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday, July 31, 2025, said he will push for an independent audit and investigation of the flood control projects as he scored some “shameless hypocrites” who applauded President Marcos’ rebuke when he raised the anomalies during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

- By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

The senator said the investigation ordered by the President should not be limited to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which he said had been allocating nearly P2 trillion for flood control projects since 2011 but had so far failed to stop the flooding.

Lacson said the President could task government agencies to undertake the probe but there should also be civilians.

“It cannot be all-government because many perceive the DPWH is involved, and that it may whitewash its findings and give the President a sanitized and untruthful report,” he added.