Senator Panfilo Lacson has launched a scathing critique against corrupt budget practices, equating "allocables" driven by commission-seeking to planned robbery. His comments set the stage for a crucial Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, where he promises to scrutinize controversial documents and property deals.
Cabral Files and the Line on Lawmaker Requests
At the heart of the impending investigation are the files left by the late Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. Lacson emphasized that it is critical for the committee to examine these documents closely. He draws a clear ethical line: while lawmakers may rightfully request funding for well-studied projects for their constituents, submitting a "wish list" or allocables with the sole motive of collecting a commission is tantamount to planning a heist.
The senator stressed that such requests have no place while the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is still being drafted by the executive branch. He outlined his own practice, stating that his institutional amendments are always based on vetted agency requests or realignments from his oversight role. "For a congressman or senator to dip their fingers into the NEP is out of line," Lacson asserted. "Our work in Congress is to introduce amendments after the NEP is submitted to us, not before."
Authenticating Evidence and Absent Witnesses
During the January 19 hearing, Lacson plans to ask DPWH representatives to authenticate the Cabral files in his and others' possession. He vowed fairness, noting that any document the DPWH cannot authenticate will be excluded from the committee's official records, even if he holds a copy.
The investigation will proceed despite the expected absence of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Lacson warned that his non-attendance could hurt his case, as the burden is on Bonoan to explain why false data on grid coordinates was submitted to Malacañang. Other DPWH officials will testify, and Bonoan would miss his chance to present his side. The senator also intends to verify with the Department of Justice whether it approved Bonoan's request to stay in California for his wife's surgery. While open to videoconference participation, Lacson set a firm condition: Bonoan must be at a Philippine embassy or consulate to take a proper oath.
Property Deals and Attempted Custody
The probe's scope extends beyond the DPWH files. The committee has invited former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo to clarify an alleged attempt by former police chief Nicolas Torre III to take him into custody.
Furthermore, the panel is looking into the 2023 purchase of a property in South Forbes by former Speaker Martin Romualdez. The allegation is that contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya II was used as a "front" for the transaction. Lacson revealed he already possesses copies of the deed of absolute sale and the payment checks. Although Discaya is not named as the buyer, the corporation involved has major shareholders with clear links to the former Speaker. The senator pledged to get to the bottom of this matter.
The upcoming hearing promises to shed light on deep-seated issues of corruption and ethical breaches in the budget process, with Lacson positioning the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee as a key arbiter of accountability.
