Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday called for an evidence-based investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects, pushing back against Senator Imee Marcos’ personal attacks and pointing to information that could link her cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, to controversial contractors known as the Discayas.

Lacson lamented “noise does not convict” as he urged Marcos to present evidence instead of rhetoric if she intends to implicate her cousin in the ongoing Senate probe.

“This is what I'm advising Senator Imee Marcos. Noise does not convict, neither does it indict even who may be perceived as the most guilty in the flood control projects saga. Only evidence does,” Lacson said.

“So if Sen. Marcos has evidence to contribute to implicate her cousin, she should take part in Monday's hearing. No one will stop her on what she wants to do,” he added.

Lacson cited persistent reports that Romualdez allegedly purchased a house and lot in an upscale Makati City subdivision using the Discayas as fronts. 

If verified, he said, the transaction could establish a direct link between the former Speaker and the contractors, who have been associated with P207.5 billion in potentially questionable flood control contracts from 2016 to 2025.

“If there is indeed a connection, we want to know why he trusted the Discayas,” Lacson stressed, adding that information he received suggested Romualdez told the former property owner to “name your price.”

Lacson said the Senate committee is considering inviting Romualdez to testify, likely coursed through the Office of the Speaker as a matter of inter-parliamentary courtesy. 

He also disclosed that he is arranging a meeting with the former owner of the Makati property, who has indicated willingness to testify.

Rebuke of personal attacks

The senator also rebuffed insinuations circulating on Imee’s social media accounts regarding his sexuality.

“Either Sen. Imee thought I was wearing a wig or she was insinuating I am a homosexual. On both counts, I say nothing can be farthest from the truth. I do not wear a wig or dentures,” Lacson said. 

“Second, I am not a homosexual. Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against homosexuals, it is their choice and I respect them for that. But as far as I'm concerned, even if I'm not perfectly handsome, I enjoy being a man. Like Tito Sotto and Gringo Honasan, I am macho. Period. End of discussion,” he added.

Underpromise, overdeliver

Lacson warned the administration against overpromising and underdelivering in its anti-corruption drive, saying this approach may be fueling public skepticism about the government’s ability to go after “big fish,” as reflected in recent surveys.

“The government should underpromise and overdeliver, not overpromise and underdeliver. But it seems the latter is happening,” he said.

Despite the criticism, Lacson said he remains confident in the seriousness of the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman in pursuing the case, citing recent discussions with their officials.

Culture of Corruption

Lacson cautioned that allowing those involved in the flood control mess to evade accountability would entrench a “culture of corruption.” 

He also expressed sympathy for Rep. Leandro Leviste, whom he praised for exposing infrastructure-related anomalies, saying he faced similar pressure when he exposed corruption during the Arroyo administration.

“Somehow, my heart goes out to him. At the time, I was a neophyte senator and could not understand why I was subjected to heavy pressure. But looking back, I understand that it's all part of the game,” Lacson said, while advising against overexposure in the media.

The Senate hearing on the flood control projects is set to continue on Monday, with Lacson reiterating that anyone with evidence, including Sen. Imee, is welcome to testify.