Another splat of graft and corruption… another matter to be scrutinized… another impending Senate investigation… Perhaps Senator Panfilo Lacson came out handsomely when he claimed to have unearthed an alleged anomaly over a duplicated fund allocation for an infrastructure project in Paranaque City. The funding was supposedly intended for the extension of the C-5 road from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Sucat, Paranaque. Lacson said that said irregularity was discovered during the Development Budget Coordinating Council (DBCC) hearing at the Senate. The project was allocated with a P200M budget for this year and another P200M for next year, thereby making it redundant. Obviously, opposition lawmakers are trying to zero in at Malacanang as the culprit behind the irregularity. As such, Resolution No. 622 was filed by minority members for proper investigation of the issue.
As things transpired, Lacson made a decisive strategy by pointing his finger to Senate President Manuel Villar as the one primarily involved in the alleged anomaly. What strategy? As everybody knows, the 2010 election is coming in fast and every presidential wannabe should be quick enough in exploiting and using current issues against their probable opponents so as to damage their credibility, pull them down, and eventually divert the people’s support to them. This time, Lacson is making the headway while Villar is thinking how to regain his “pogi-points.” Very smart indeed on Lacson’s part… but that’s not all. Lacson also knew how to use his future opponents for his gains. As we all know, Senator Mar Roxas II is also a presidential wannabe and his loving sweetheart, Korina Sanchez, in a well-known and well-respected TV/Radio journalist. It was just a matter of talk (plus cash maybe) that Lacson persuaded Sanchez to put the matter in the limelight since it will also help scratching out Villar in favor of Roxas in 2010. However, said sweethearts don’t know that Lacson is aiming for his “pogi-points” and not willing to allot anything for Roxas. Too bad for these showbiz lovers… it will be too late before they knew that they are being used.
While the on-going frenzy over the new issue reached its toll, other Senate members joined in to be a part of the limelight. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimente Jr. and Senators Manuel Roxas II, Benigno Aquino, Rodolfo Biazon, Loren Legarda… and guess who? Senator Jamby Madrigal… well, the public really appreciate her as a comic relief… Anyway, the impending investigation regarding “the Road to Nowhere Project” is expected not to help the lawmakers “in aid of legislation” as what have happened to past hearings. However, it did serve Lacson for gaining “pogi-points” and in pushing down Villar – his no.1 opponent in 2010.