Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson threw his support Tuesday behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s disowning of allies found to engage in anomalous deals, saying this deserves encouragement from the public.

Lacson, a long-time enemy of corruption, also said he is doing his own research on questionable flood control projects.

“The President is on a roll and we should encourage him some more. When he called out the members of Congress with his now most-quoted ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ remark, followed by his announcement yesterday that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already submitted its report on the defective and anomalous flood control projects, the ball is now in his hands to make good on his promise to make accountable all those involved – errant contractors and their cohorts in government,” he said.

“That said, I am confident na ‘mahihiya naman ang Pangulo (the President will be embarrassed)’ if he fails to walk the talk,” he added.

Lacson was referring to the President’s “Mahiya naman kayo” remark in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28, aimed at those involved in corruption in flood control projects.

He noted that his investigation so far showed that the budget for flood control projects since 2011 for the DPWH actually exceeded P2 trillion – yet has failed to stop the flooding problem.

“For the past 15 years since 2011, it turns out that more than P2 trillion had been allocated for the DPWH in the General Appropriations Act. This includes drainage and desilting. It is hard to audit dredging,” he said in Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

On Monday, the President said that he will not spare his allies if they are found involved in corruption on flood control projects. He added that if it is found that his allies are at fault, he does not want to be associated with them.

For his part, Lacson said that after the DPWH had submitted its list of questionable flood control projects, it may need to follow this up by submitting lists of other questionable infrastructure projects.

“We started with flood control projects. I hope this will be followed by other questionable infrastructure projects like road construction, repairs, maintenance, etc.,” he said.

In the meantime, Lacson said he and his staff are doing their own research on anomalous flood control projects.

“On my part, I have been doing my own research and if there are questionable projects not included in the DPWH report but we are able to identify, backed by evidence – I will also expose, maybe in a privilege speech or in another forum – but I will make sure the public will be informed,” he said.

“If our findings are not in the list of questionable projects submitted by the DPWH, we will furnish the DPWH or the Office of the President with copies of our findings,” he added in Filipino.

Meanwhile, Lacson said he is encouraged by the actions being taken in both houses of Congress to ensure transparency in the budget process.

He cited the initiative of Senate finance committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian to require the uploading of budget-related documents on government websites, and that of House appropriations committee chairperson Mikaela Angela Suansing to push for reforms including the abolition of the “small committee.”

“At the rate everyone is gearing towards transparency in the budget, that’s a good indication. I hope these efforts will be sustained,” he said.