Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has been misquoted regarding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s resignation. Despite circulating claims, Lacson did not call for the President to step down amid the ongoing flood control corruption probe.
A YouTube video claimed Lacson demanded Marcos’ resignation, but this assertion lacks credible support. As of the latest update, there is no official record or verified statement from Lacson or his office confirming such a demand.
Lacson recently stated he would not shield the President if evidence directly implicates him in the scandal. However, he emphasized the importance of verified evidence over unsubstantiated social media claims.
The Misleading Claims
The problematic video, which has gained traction online, misleadingly suggested that Lacson made a dramatic call for resignation. It featured an alarming title, implying a significant shift in Lacson's stance. However, this is not the case.
Lacson's actual statements were made during a Senate investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects, where he affirmed that if evidence points to the President, it cannot be ignored.
'If the evidence points to the President, we can’t do anything about that.'
Senator Panfilo Lacson
Lacson further clarified that unverified claims, including those from former congressman Zaldy Co, cannot be treated as factual unless supported by sworn testimony and documentation.
Context of the Investigation
The Senate blue ribbon committee, led by Lacson, is scrutinizing multibillion-peso flood control projects. The committee has held multiple hearings and produced a partial report detailing alleged systemic corruption.
The report cites issues such as ghost projects, collusion, and kickbacks. Despite lacking enough signatures for formal filing, Lacson aims to maintain transparency in addressing public concerns over corruption.