Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson dismissed claims that the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would derail the Senate's investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, saying such accusations are being advanced by politicians already gearing up for the 2028 elections.

Former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano earlier this week said that the impeachment proceedings should not come at the expense of the Senate's investigation into billions of pesos worth of flood control projects.

Lacson said the Senate majority has opted not to engage with the narrative, describing it as part of early political maneuvering rather than a legitimate concern over the chamber's priorities.

"Hayaan na lang natin silang mangampanya. Hindi talaga made-derail yan. Given naman yan, sinasabi lang yan, alam mo kasi may mga kasamahan kami na tatakbo sa 2028. Naunawaan namin ang kanilang mga Facebook Live, kanilang social media, kanilang interview sa media," Lacson said in a television interview.

"Naunawaan namin ang kanilang mga sinasabi kasi this early campaign mode na yung iba. So ang position namin, kami sa majority, huwag na lang patulan," he added.

Former Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said the impeachment proceedings against Duterte should not prevent the Senate from continuing its investigation into alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects. 

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, now chaired by Sen. Erwin Tulfo, has taken over the investigation into the alleged flood control anomalies. 

Tulfo has said the inquiry will continue, building on the evidence and testimony gathered during the hearings conducted under Lacson's chairmanship. 

Before stepping down as Blue Ribbon chair, Lacson said the committee had already gathered documentary and testimonial evidence that had been transmitted to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman for possible case buildup. 

Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court on July 6 for the start of Duterte's trial.