Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson clarified that no substantive changes were made to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s report on anomalous flood control projects implicating three lawmakers, despite revisions to its wording.

“Nothing was changed. There were misunderstandings among reporters because I removed the words ‘to be charged’ and replaced them with ‘to be recommended for preliminary investigation.’ There’s no difference,” Lacson, who chairs the committee, said in Filipino during a DZRH interview.

He explained that whether the report says “to be charged” or “to be recommended for preliminary investigation,” the implication remains the same: the individuals involved are still facing potential legal action.

“The concern with the term ‘charged’ is that it sounds like a court [proceeding]. I said it’s okay, there’s no problem, because that is the implication and meaning,” Lacson said, reiterating that the committee cannot file a case in court.

Lacson emphasized that when the committee recommends someone be “charged,” it effectively calls for a preliminary investigation.

The committee’s recommendation covers multiple alleged offenses, including plunder, malversation, falsification, direct bribery, violation of ethical standards, and anti-graft law violations, he added.

The recommendation requires 11 signatories to become an official committee report.

Lacson said the report was finalized Tuesday and is expected to be routed to the full committee Wednesday.