Senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson expressed confidence that the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate will secure enough seats in the May 12 elections to strengthen their role in budget scrutiny and government oversight.
He stressed that a Senate majority would allow them to collectively examine proposed national budget items more effectively.
Lacson emphasized that rigorous oversight is key to solving infrastructure and traffic issues in the provinces. He warned that while the government has sufficient resources, corruption often leads to the use of substandard materials, compromising the quality and safety of projects.
He cited past experiences in the Senate, including questioning the Department of Public Works and Highways’ P22-billion request for road right-of-way, even as P11 billion in similar funds remained unused. He also addressed the plight of families who had not received compensation until he intervened.
Corruption also affects farm-to-market road projects, Lacson said, referring to how some lawmakers have dubbed them “farm-to-pocket roads.” He urged the Senate to carefully review such projects during budget deliberations to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Speaking at an Alyansa rally in Lucena, Lacson thanked Quezon province residents for their support. He pledged that, if elected, he would resume his role as a budget watchdog to ensure resources reach underserved local government units.
