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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson: Evidence to guide Senate probe into Marine-bagmen's cash delivery claims

Lacson: Evidence to guide Senate probe into Marine-bagmen's cash delivery claims

Published Feb 28, 2026 02:38 pm
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson reiterated on Saturday, Feb. 28, that evidence will continue to guide the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the alleged cash delivery scheme involving former military personnel, amid recent comments made by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on the issue.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Senate PRIB photo)
Lacson maintained that he respects the INC and its opinion on the issue. He noted that holding a different opinion does not automatically mean disrespect.
"As chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, I haven’t changed my position about being led by evidence guided only by the prudent and logical way of treating any information that comes to my attention - evaluate and validate the credibility and reliability of both the source as well as the information itself before taking action," he said.
He referred to the statement read on television Friday by INC Spokesperson Edwil Zabala, wherein the latter renewed the call for accountability in the flood control projects corruption scandal.
Zabala noted that the statements of 18 former military personnel presented in a press conference last Feb. 24 may have proven a cash-delivery scheme involving ranking officials.
Lacson reiterated his respect for the INC, and added he was forever grateful to the influential religious sect for supporting him during the 2001, 2007, and 2016 elections. 
Earlier, Lacson cited at least two key areas that needed further checking - the amount of P805 billion allegedly delivered in cash being mathematically irreconcilable with kickbacks admitted to be facilitated and received by other personalities; and the timing of the press conference on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution. Then there was the International Criminal Court's (ICC) comfirmation of charges hearings in connection with the Duterte administration's war on drugs.
"I have nothing but respect for the INC and will forever be grateful for all the times that they supported me, particularly for the three out of six election campaigns that I participated in, four of which I won," Lacson said of the INC's statement.
"Similarly, I respect their opinion with regard to the 18 ex-military personnel who presented themselves in an organized press conference at the Club Filipino last Feb. 24. Let me emphasize that having a different opinion does not imply disrespect," he added.

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