Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Saturday urged Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to investigate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for possible involvement in the flood control bribery scheme and to subject former Public Works and Palace officials to “rigorous questioning” when Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings resume.
The call followed Lacson’s statement on Friday that he intends to “step up his campaign” against corruption in 2026, stressing that Filipinos expect accountability from public servants. The 2026 General Appropriations Act, ratified by Congress on December 29, is now under review by Marcos.
“The President should also not be shielded from scrutiny and should not be prematurely absolved from his liability,” the bloc said.
The Makabayan bloc is composed of ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co.
Separately, Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco noted that the House Appropriations Committee has yet to release full details of DPWH allocations per district and party-list in the 2026 budget, despite his request since October. He added that had nominal voting been enforced, he could have voted against the measure.