JANUARY 19, 2026 — When was the last time you heard a senator drop a profanity in the middle of a public hearing? On January 19, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson did just that. In a moment that stunned — and amused — many, Lacson told critics of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to “Shut the f… up!” as he opened the eighth hearing on the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scam.

A senator, in full view of the public, bluntly told detractors to zip it. And while the phrase was unexpected, it was also oddly refreshing. After all, how often do we see politicians speak with raw frustration instead of rehearsed politeness?

But let’s not get distracted by the profanity alone. Lacson’s outburst was more than just a slip of the tongue — it was a statement of defiance against those branding the Blue Ribbon Committee as “inutil at walang silbi (useless and worthless).” He argued that such labels insult not only the senators but also the Filipino people who have been following the hearings closely.

“Your noise will not silence the truth; neither does it provide any help in our investigation. Your noise cannot convict — and won’t even indict the malefactors in this flood control mess. Only evidence does,” Lacson declared.

And evidence, according to him, is exactly what the committee has been gathering.

The scandal that refuses to be buried

The hearings have peeled back layers of corruption that allegedly began in Bulacan’s 1st District Engineering Office — the so-called epicenter of what Lacson described as “the biggest corruption saga in recent history.” Testimonies from former DPWH officials, including District Engineer Henry Alcantara and Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, revealed how billions meant for flood control projects were siphoned off and splurged in casinos.

This wasn’t just petty theft. Lacson painted a picture of an “elaborate conspiracy” involving contractors, coordinators, and bagmen who allegedly diverted national budget funds meant to protect lives and property in flood-prone areas.

The committee uncovered practices like “in-house contracting,” “bid rigging,” “padded contract costs,” and “license renting.” These schemes didn’t just waste money — they left Filipinos with substandard infrastructure and even ghost projects. Imagine billions gone, while communities remain vulnerable to floods.

The deeper truth

What started in Bulacan turned out to be a gateway to a broader, institutionalized scheme. Lacson said the inquiry revealed systemic misuse of public funds involving high-ranking officials across government branches — even the Commission on Audit wasn’t spared from scrutiny.

The numbers are staggering: at least ₱21.7 billion worth of assets have been frozen by the Court of Appeals. Some individuals have entered the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program, agreeing to restitute amounts tied to plunder, malversation, and anti-graft violations.

Cases are now pending before the Sandiganbayan and other courts. Contractors, senior officials, and intermediaries are facing accountability — at least on paper.

Why this matters to us

But will this probe actually change anything for ordinary Filipinos?

Flood control projects aren’t abstract government programs. They’re supposed to protect families in Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, and other flood-prone areas. Every peso stolen is a peso that could have built stronger dikes, better drainage, or safer communities.

So when Lacson lashes out at skeptics, it’s not just about defending the committee’s honor. It’s about reminding us that corruption in infrastructure isn’t victimless. The victims are the millions of Filipinos who wade through waist-deep floods every rainy season, wondering why billions in budget allocations never seem to translate into real protection.

The profanity that sparked curiosity

Let’s circle back to that profanity. “Shut the f… up!” was unexpected, amusing, and undeniably headline-worthy. But beyond the shock value, it captured the frustration of a senator who believes the committee’s work is being undermined by noise and cynicism.

Was it unbecoming of a lawmaker? Maybe. Was it effective in grabbing attention? Absolutely. And perhaps that’s the point — sometimes bluntness cuts through the clutter better than polite speeches ever could.

Speak up!

The Blue Ribbon Committee’s flood control probe is far from over, and Lacson’s fiery words may have just reignited public interest. Whether this investigation leads to real accountability or fades into another forgotten scandal remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: Filipinos deserve more than empty flood control projects and padded contracts. We deserve leaders who fight corruption with evidence, not excuses.

In a country drowning in scandals, silence is complicity — and Filipinos should never shut the f— up when billions are stolen from them.

Progress or pointless? Are these hearings exposing corruption or just wasting our time?

(Image: Ping Lacson)