Former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Wednesday described the Office of the Ombudsman’s forthcoming filing of plunder and other charges against several senators implicated in the flood control controversy as a “vindication“ of the committee’s findings and recommendations.
Lacson said the announcement by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla that plunder, malversation, and other cases will soon be filed before the Sandiganbayan against officials identified in the committee’s partial report serves as confirmation of the investigation conducted by the Senate panel.
“Ombudsman Remulla’s announcement that plunder, malversation and other cases will soon be filed with the Sandiganbayan against the same government officials implicated in the Blue Ribbon Committee’s partial report on the flood control anomaly is a vindication of our findings and recommendations,” Lacson said.
The statement came a day after Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla announced that his office is preparing to file plunder charges this week against Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with the flood control case.
Remulla also said a similar case against Senator Joel Villanueva may be filed within two weeks, with additional cases against other senators expected in the coming weeks.
Lacson led the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee until May 11, before a leadership change in the Senate.
“Hindi nakakatuwa ito na ang mga kasamahan namin na-involve… Masakit man pero lagi kong sinasabi kung saan kami dadalhin ng evidence, doon kami pupunta,” Lacson said, noting the difficult implications of the findings for some of their colleagues.
He said the committee report was based on hearings that began as early as August 19, 2025. However, he noted that only seven senators have signed the report so far, falling short of the nine signatures required for formal sponsorship and filing.
Aside from Lacson, the signatories include former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Senators Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros, all of whom belong to the majority bloc at the time of filing.
Several lawmakers have been linked to the flood control controversy, including Senators Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and Mark Villar. They have been accused of allegations involving kickbacks from government infrastructure projects, which they have denied.
Also mentioned in the broader controversy were former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. and House appropriations committee chair Elizaldy Co.
