Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said on Saturday, July 18, that the government's efforts to curb corruption involving anomalous flood control projects remain "wanting" one year after President Marcos's signature "Mahiya naman kayo" remark during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Lacson said the government's accomplishments on the issue would have been far more limited without the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation under his leadership, the resolve shown by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, and sustained public scrutiny from the media and citizens.

"Tinimbang ngunit kulang (It was measured but found lacking. Without sounding immodest or arrogant, if not for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation during my watch, which was preceded by my two privilege speeches, where we unearthed material pieces of evidence, both documentary and testimonial; and without the firm determination and resoluteness of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla, I don’t know how the government can even claim whatever accomplishments we have at the moment, or one year after that SONA 'Mahiya naman kayo' remark," he said.

He also acknowledged the role of journalists and the public in keeping attention on the issue.

"The media and netizens should also be credited for generating public anger and awareness that abuse of public funds cannot anymore be taken for granted, as exemplified by the Trillion Peso March and other related activities," he added.

Despite criticism directed at the Blue Ribbon panel, Lacson maintained that the committee's work has been instrumental in advancing efforts to hold those behind the alleged anomalies accountable.

"Despite the usual criticisms and obvious politically motivated acts, I will stand firm on the BRC’s role in whatever accomplishments we have," he said.

Lacson first exposed the alleged irregularities through a privilege speech in August 2025, where he detailed anomalous and ghost flood control projects.

He followed it with another speech in September focusing on the so-called "BGC Boys," whom he accused of manipulating procedures to facilitate the alleged anomalies.

In May this year, he presented the Blue Ribbon panel chairman's progress report, which contained evidence and recommendations addressing what he described as "systemic, parasitic greed" in flood control projects.

The committee later transmitted its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which has since filed charges against several individuals.