APRIL 16, 2026 — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has hit the brakes on the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s flood control probe, suspending all hearings until a partial committee report is sponsored in plenary. The move has stirred debate in the halls of power and among the public, as questions mount over accountability, transparency, and the Senate’s role in tackling corruption.

Lacson’s stand: no report, no hearings

Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee, made it clear: no more hearings until the partial report is signed and brought to the Senate floor. He argued that endless hearings without a committee report would be “pointless and contrary to Senate rules.” The report, he stressed, is the logical conclusion of any inquiry in aid of legislation.

As of mid-April, the partial report still lacked at least five signatures. Lacson himself, along with Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino, had already signed. Later, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Vice Chairman added their names, but the committee still needs more support to move forward.

Minority pushback, Marcos dissent

Not everyone is on board. Senator Imee Marcos flatly refused to sign, insisting on a “full investigation” before any report is finalized. 

Minority senators have also been criticized by Lacson for inviting personalities like former Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar but failing to grill them during hearings. 

“Why did they not ask them what they knew when they appeared? They had the opportunity,” Lacson said in Filipino. 

This tension highlights the deep divide in the Senate: one camp pushing for closure and legislative action, the other demanding a more exhaustive probe.

What’s at stake 

The flood control mess isn’t just a Senate squabble — it’s about billions in taxpayer money allegedly lost to anomalous projects and kickback schemes. The partial report reportedly recommends further investigation into lawmakers linked to the scandal. 

For Pinoys, especially those in flood-prone areas, this is about whether public funds meant to protect communities from disaster are being siphoned off.

A senate crossroads

Lacson’s suspension of hearings is a gamble. On one hand, it forces senators to confront their duty — sign the report or stall the process. On the other, it risks leaving the public hanging, with no clear resolution to a scandal that directly affects lives and livelihoods.

Do you think our senators will choose closure and accountability, or will they let this flood of corruption drown in endless hearings?

(Image: Ping Lacson | Facebook)