JANUARY 11, 2026 — The Senate blue ribbon committee is back in the spotlight as it resumes its flood control hearings on January 19. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson himself confirmed that the session will tackle the reported retraction of testimonies by former DPWH-Bulacan engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez.

The Department of Justice quickly clarified that Alcantara has not filed any official recantation. 

Still, Lacson warned, “Ipagbibigay alam namin sa kanila na kapag sila ay nag-recant, magiging liable sila sa perjury. Kahit anong sinumpaang salaysay na under oath, tinaasan ang penalty.” 

(We will inform them that if they recant, they will be liable for perjury. Any sworn statement under oath now carries a higher penalty.)

But here’s the bigger picture: billions of pesos allegedly laundered through casinos in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga between 2023 and 2025; ghost projects worth P30 billion out of a P50 billion SARO released at the tail end of 2024; engineers accused of cashing in billions. 

And yet, despite all these revelations, the hearings feel like a merry-go-round — spinning endlessly while the so-called “big fish” remain untouched.

Hearings or theatrics?

Why is it that in scandals of this scale, the small players are the ones dragged into the spotlight, while the masterminds slip away? Why do we keep hearing about engineers, affidavits, and subpoenas, but not about the real power brokers who greenlighted these ghost projects?

Lacson says the committee will invite former Education undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, and even Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste to shed light on the so-called “Cabral files.” Subpoenas are promised if they fail to appear. But, if truth be told, how many times have we seen resource persons dodge hearings, only for cases to drag on until the public loses interest?

The public deserves clarity. P50 billion in unprogrammed appropriations is not pocket change — it’s money that could have built schools, hospitals, or real flood control projects that actually protect communities. Instead, we’re left with ghost projects and casino chips.

The people are after accountability. If the hearings only end with perjury charges against engineers while the architects of this grand scheme remain free, then what message are we sending to ordinary Filipinos who pay their taxes faithfully?

The hearings on January 19 must go beyond theatrics. They must show us that the Senate is serious about chasing not just ghosts, but the sharks swimming in plain sight. It’s about time, don’t you think?

Justice delayed is justice denied, and the longer the big fish swim free, the more rotten the system becomes.

So will January 19 bring answers, or just more questions for a public already tired of waiting? How do you see it?

(Image: Ping Lacson)