Lacson wants no less than 'retribution, restitution' from those involved in infra scams

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has suggested what he called the "retribution plus restitution" formula in dealing with erring officials and contractors behind anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

Lacson, in a radio interview on Saturday, Oct. 11, said the government--and taxpayers--can potentially get back an initial P26 billion from contracted flood control "ghost" projects between 2023 and 2025 worth P629 billion, with 80 percent possible restitution in exchange for shortened jail terms after conviction of those involved.

"A simple extrapolation using the initial finding of 421 contracted ghost flood control projects out of the 8,000 (5.26 percent) so far inspected by the AFP/PNP/DepDev composite team as standard, with an aggregate total amount of at least P629 billion worth of flood control contracted projects in 2023-2025, if all those responsible--contractors, politicians and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials--will return just 80 percent of their loot, after a plea bargaining agreement in exchange for shortened jail terms, easily the Filipino people can recover at least P26 billion," he explained.