Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson is not rushing to judgment.
Not now. Not ever.
On Saturday, Lacson made one thing clear — serious accusations demand serious proof.
He stressed the need to validate both the credibility of the source and the reliability of the information surrounding explosive allegations that former members of the Philippine Marine Corps delivered suitcases “filled with cash” to several individuals.
These are not small claims.
They are heavy. Political. Potentially damaging.
And according to Lacson, they must be handled with caution.
“We Follow the Evidence”
As chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson said any investigation into the alleged cash delivery scheme will be driven purely by evidence — not noise, not pressure, not politics.
“I have not changed my position,” he said firmly.
He emphasized that every piece of information that reaches him goes through one standard:
Evaluate the source.
Validate the facts.
Act only when the evidence is solid.
Nothing less.
Respect — But a Different View
Lacson issued the statement after Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) spokesperson Edwil Zabala renewed calls for accountability in the flood control corruption scandal.
Zabala cited statements from 18 former military personnel who appeared at a press conference on February 24. According to him, their testimonies may have exposed a cash delivery scheme involving ranking officials.
But Lacson, while respectful, stood his ground.
He made it clear that his position on the issue is separate from his long-standing gratitude toward the INC.
“I have nothing but respect for the INC,” Lacson said, recalling how the religious group supported his senatorial bids in 2001, 2007, and 2016.
He did not forget that support.
And he made sure to say so.
But he added something equally important:
“Having a different opinion does not imply disrespect.”
In other words — gratitude does not replace due process.
Questions That Need Answers
Lacson also pointed to serious gaps in the claims made by the ex-Marines.
First — the alleged P805 billion delivered in cash.
He said the figure simply does not add up. Mathematically, it appears irreconcilable with the supposed kickbacks allegedly received by others.
Second — the timing.
The press conference was held on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. At the same time, hearings were ongoing at the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
For Lacson, timing matters.
And when allegations surface during politically sensitive moments, scrutiny becomes even more critical.
Step-by-Step Review
Even before Senator Imee Marcos filed a resolution seeking a formal inquiry, Lacson had already begun preliminary checks.
He outlined a clear approach:
First, examine the source — the 18 alleged former Marines who appeared at the press conference.
Second, examine the content — the affidavits themselves.
Are the statements credible?
Are the details consistent?
Is the evidence verifiable?
Only after those questions are answered will action follow.
The Allegations
On Tuesday, the 18 ex-Marines accused several individuals of receiving cash from former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.
They also claimed that Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV funded hotel accommodations for ICC investigators who visited the country.
The group further alleged that they delivered cash to the residence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Ilocos Norte.
These are serious accusations.
But Malacañang and the personalities implicated have firmly denied the claims.
The Bottom Line
In a political climate filled with noise and outrage, Lacson is choosing restraint.
He is choosing process.
He is choosing proof.
Because in matters this explosive, credibility is everything.
And for Lacson, evidence — not emotion — must lead the way.
