Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson called on the public to maintain their outrage over the flood control scandal while ensuring that demonstrations remain non-violent.
He said the arrest warrants issued against resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co and several others show that the government is taking decisive action.
Lacson cautioned Malacañang, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Department of Justice not to ease their efforts, warning that doing so could embolden those involved. He stressed that public pressure is driving accountability but must not cross into violence.
“I don’t want public outrage to lessen, so long as people remain non-violent. If public anger diminishes, government might slacken their efforts… But this is so long as the outrage does not turn violent, like the September 21 protest where some protesters damaged some traffic lights,” he said.
He also urged authorities to fully uncover the truth: “No matter how many, no matter how long it takes, get to the bottom to achieve the logical conclusion.”
Lacson noted that the Ombudsman’s latest actions disprove claims that Co is “untouchable.” He cited reports of Co being sighted in Japan and suggested that Interpol may already be monitoring his movements ahead of possible extradition.
He added that Co may be summoned by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee once arrested, while reminding the panel not to violate the sub judice rule once the case reaches the Sandiganbayan. Lacson estimated that as many as 2,000 individuals may be implicated in the anomalies—far beyond earlier projections.
President Bongbong Marcos earlier announced that warrants had been issued for Co and 17 others linked to the ghost flood control projects.