Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has cast doubt on the alleged ₱805-billion cash delivery scheme linked to supposed anomalous flood control projects, warning that claims involving massive figures must withstand basic computation and logic.
In a social media post on March 7, Lacson, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, cautioned that unverifiable numbers risk undermining credibility.
“The tale of ₱805B ‘maletas’: If you do not know how to compute the truth, don’t talk about numbers to quantify probabilities, or face the consequence of failing the test of believability,” he said.
The alleged scheme, presented by lawyer Levito Baligod last month, involves the reported delivery of ₱805 billion in cash using bags or “maletas,” supposedly carried out by 18 former Marines.
Lacson earlier questioned the feasibility of the claim, noting the logistical challenges of transporting an estimated 805 metric tons of paper currency. He argued that unloading, counting, repacking, reloading, and delivering such an amount would take until at least 2027 even if done nonstop.
Responding to calls for a Senate probe, Lacson said hearings are meant to establish facts rather than simply debunk claims.
“Maybe, but maybe not. The BRC hearings are intended to expose the truth, not lies. If they will adjust the numbers within the realm of possibilities, why not?” he remarked.
The veteran lawmaker added he is open to meeting with Baligod to clarify the allegations before the committee considers a formal inquiry.
“For truth’s sake, without sacrificing the dignity and integrity of the Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry, I am willing to speak to Atty. Levito Baligod to reconcile the joint testimony of his 18 clients with the realm of possibilities,” Lacson said.