A public interest and human rights lawyer has raised concerns over recent claims identifying a supposed “mastermind” behind the alleged flood control scam, pointing instead to earlier findings by Senator Panfilo Lacson that suggest otherwise.
Lawyer Antonio Zoleta Bucoy highlighted Lacson’s previous statement that the controversial flood control projects did not have a single mastermind. Lacson, who chaired the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee during its investigation into alleged irregularities, had already submitted a partial report on the matter.
Bucoy cited this conclusion in response to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s assertion that Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez was the alleged mastermind behind the controversy.
According to Bucoy, reviving the issue and inviting Romualdez to a renewed Senate probe—now under the leadership of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano—may be a diversion from the committee’s earlier findings.
“Kung inyong maalala, nagkaroon na ng partial report ang Blue Ribbon Committee na pinamunuan ni Sen. Lacson,” Bucoy said in a radio interview, emphasizing that the previous investigation had already addressed key issues.
He reiterated that Lacson himself had publicly stated in multiple interviews that no single individual could be identified as the mastermind in the case.
“At sinabi doon ni Sen. Lacson… na walang mastermind na maituturing itong flood control,” Bucoy added.
Bucoy also pointed out that efforts by a Blue Ribbon subcommittee, chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, to tag Romualdez as the mastermind lacked sufficient explanation.
“Iginigiit nila na imbitahin si dating Speaker Romualdez bilang mastermind, pero hindi nila sinasabi kung bakit,” he noted, questioning whether the claim was based solely on Romualdez’s former position.
In a separate earlier interview, Bucoy criticized Ombudsman Remulla for allegedly making premature conclusions without a formal preliminary investigation or presentation of evidence.
“Iisa ho ang nagpapalutang dyan… si Ombudsman Remulla na mula’t sapul ay binansagan na niya si Speaker Romualdez na mastermind,” he said.
Bucoy stressed that such serious allegations should be grounded in due process, including a proper review of complaints and responses from all parties involved.
“Babansagan mo ang isang tao na mastermind kung nasuri mo na ang magkabilang panig—ang reklamo at ang kasagutan,” he explained.
He further questioned whether a preliminary investigation had even been conducted, noting the absence of any public information confirming such proceedings.
As discussions continue, Bucoy underscored the importance of evidence-based conclusions and adherence to legal processes in addressing allegations tied to public funds and accountability.
