Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson says this may have resulted in a bloated count of ghost flood control projectsSenate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson says this may have resulted in a bloated count of ghost flood control projects

Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan gave Malacañang wrong flood project coordinates – Lacson

2026/01/14 16:05

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Wednesday, January 14, that former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan had given Malacañang the wrong coordinates to alleged ghost flood control projects.

Speaking to reporters, the chair of the Senate blue ribbon panel investigating corruption in flood projects said that the wrong coordinates led to a bloated count of ghost flood control projects.

When asked why Bonoan would “deliberately” try to inflate the tally of ghost flood control projects, Lacson said the former public works chief might have been trying to cover up his tracks.

“That’s part of misleading Malacañang because he submitted the wrong coordinates,” he said in Filipino.

Bonoan has been in the United States since November 2025 after telling authorities he will return by December 17.

Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier accused Bonoan, Senator Mark Villar who was public works chief of the Rodrigo Duterte administration, and the late former DPWH undersecretary Cathy Cabral as the operators of the “kickback” system in the agency. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has since recommended the filing of charges against Bonoan and Cabral.

Must Read

Mark Villar, Bonoan, Cabral operated kickback system in DPWH – witness

Lacson said that when the composite teams of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Department of Economy, Planning and Development went to the supposed project sites using the wrong coordinates, of course, they did not see any project, and reported them as “ghost projects.”

“So substantially lower dapat ‘yung bilang ng ghost flood control projects (the number of ghost flood control projects should be substantially lower),” he said.

Because of this, Lacson said the Department of Public Works and Highways is trying to correct the list by comparing the coordinates in their Multi-Year Planning and Scheduling system to those in the department’s Project and Contract Management Application.

Blue ribbon probe returns

Apart from Bonoan’s alleged attempt to cover up his tracks, Lacson said the blue ribbon panel will also look into other new developments regarding the flood control scandal when it resumes its hearings on Monday, January 19.

Lacson said the investigation will look into the supposed links between former House speaker Martin Romualdez and the Discaya couple, fueled by rumors that Romualdez allegedly purchased a property in a posh subdivision in Makati City through the Discayas.

“If verified to be true, this could possibly establish a direct connection between the former speaker and the Discayas. In this regard, we may invite the former owner of the property to shed light,” he said.

Lacson also claimed that he spoke to at least three sources who confirmed that the purchase was made through a third party. If true, Lacson believes the transaction hints at a closer relationship between the presidential cousin and the Discayas.

“One of the stories was that a maid saw the Discayas here [at the Senate] during the hearings and said, ‘Ma’am, they’re the people that bought your house,’” Lacson recalled in a mix of English and Filipino.

Lacson also said his panel will look into the “Cabral files,” a set of DPWH documents that allegedly showed the department’s funding for congressional districts from 2023 to 2025. He added that the committee has ordered the DPWH to present the original files through a subpoena duces tecum.

The files were initially released in December by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.

Must Read

Who else got hold of the ‘Cabral files’ prior to her death?


– Rappler.com

Market Opportunity
Propy Logo
Propy Price(PRO)
$0.3765
$0.3765$0.3765
+8.72%
USD
Propy (PRO) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Will Huge $8.3B Bitcoin Options Expiry Trigger Another Dump?

Will Huge $8.3B Bitcoin Options Expiry Trigger Another Dump?

The post Will Huge $8.3B Bitcoin Options Expiry Trigger Another Dump? appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Home » Crypto News The end of another week is here again
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/01/30 14:01
Why Staffing Agencies Need Hot Desk Booking Software to Scale Smarter

Why Staffing Agencies Need Hot Desk Booking Software to Scale Smarter

Your headcount doubled this year. Congratulations – you’re killing it.  But now you’re staring at a lease renewal and wondering: do you really need 40 desks when
Share
Fintechzoom2026/01/30 14:26
Urgent: Coinbase CEO Pushes for Crucial Crypto Market Structure Bill

Urgent: Coinbase CEO Pushes for Crucial Crypto Market Structure Bill

BitcoinWorld Urgent: Coinbase CEO Pushes for Crucial Crypto Market Structure Bill The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with significant developments as Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently took to Washington, D.C., advocating passionately for a clearer regulatory path. His mission? To champion the passage of a vital crypto market structure bill, specifically the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act. This legislative push is not just about policy; it’s about safeguarding investor rights and fostering innovation in the digital asset space. Why a Clear Crypto Market Structure Bill is Essential Brian Armstrong’s visit underscores a growing sentiment within the crypto industry: the urgent need for regulatory clarity. Without clear guidelines, the market operates in a gray area, leaving both innovators and investors vulnerable. The proposed crypto market structure bill aims to bring much-needed definition to this dynamic sector. Armstrong explicitly stated on X that this legislation is crucial to prevent a recurrence of actions that infringe on investor rights, citing past issues with former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler. This proactive approach seeks to establish a stable and predictable environment for digital assets. Understanding the CLARITY Act: A Blueprint for Digital Assets The Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act is designed to establish a robust regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry. It seeks to delineate the responsibilities of key regulatory bodies, primarily the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Here are some key provisions: Clear Jurisdiction: The bill aims to specify which digital assets fall under the purview of the SEC as securities and which are considered commodities under the CFTC. Investor Protection: By defining these roles, the act intends to provide clearer rules for market participants, thereby enhancing investor protection. Exemption Conditions: A significant aspect of the bill would exempt certain cryptocurrencies from the stringent registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, provided they meet specific criteria. This could reduce regulatory burdens for legitimate projects. This comprehensive approach promises to bring structure to a rapidly evolving market. The Urgency Behind the Crypto Market Structure Bill The call for a dedicated crypto market structure bill is not new, but Armstrong’s direct engagement highlights the increasing pressure for legislative action. The lack of a clear framework has led to regulatory uncertainty, stifling innovation and sometimes leading to enforcement actions that many in the industry view as arbitrary. Passing this legislation would: Foster Innovation: Provide a clear roadmap for developers and entrepreneurs, encouraging new projects and technologies. Boost Investor Confidence: Offer greater certainty and protection for individuals investing in digital assets. Prevent Future Conflicts: Reduce the likelihood of disputes between regulatory bodies and crypto firms, creating a more harmonious ecosystem. The industry believes that a well-defined regulatory landscape is essential for the long-term health and growth of the digital economy. What a Passed Crypto Market Structure Bill Could Mean for You If the CLARITY Act or a similar crypto market structure bill passes, its impact could be profound for everyone involved in the crypto space. For investors, it could mean a more secure and transparent market. For businesses, it offers a predictable environment to build and scale. Conversely, continued regulatory ambiguity could: Stifle Growth: Drive innovation overseas and deter new entrants. Increase Risks: Leave investors exposed to unregulated practices. Create Uncertainty: Lead to ongoing legal battles and market instability. The stakes are incredibly high, making the advocacy efforts of leaders like Brian Armstrong all the more critical. The push for a clear crypto market structure bill is a pivotal moment for the digital asset industry. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong’s efforts in Washington, D.C., reflect a widespread desire for regulatory clarity that protects investors, fosters innovation, and ensures the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies. The CLARITY Act offers a potential blueprint for this future, aiming to define jurisdictional boundaries and streamline regulatory requirements. Its passage could unlock significant growth and stability, cementing the U.S. as a leader in the global digital economy. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act? The CLARITY Act is a proposed crypto market structure bill aimed at establishing a clear regulatory framework for digital assets in the U.S. It seeks to define the roles of the SEC and CFTC and exempt certain cryptocurrencies from securities registration requirements under specific conditions. Why is Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong advocating for this bill? Brian Armstrong is advocating for the CLARITY Act to bring regulatory certainty to the crypto industry, protect investor rights from unclear enforcement actions, and foster innovation within the digital asset space. He believes it’s crucial for the industry’s sustainable growth. How would this bill impact crypto investors? For crypto investors, the passage of this crypto market structure bill would mean greater clarity on which assets are regulated by whom, potentially leading to enhanced consumer protections, reduced market uncertainty, and a more stable investment environment. What are the primary roles of the SEC and CFTC concerning this bill? The bill aims to delineate the responsibilities of the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) regarding digital assets. It seeks to clarify which assets fall under securities regulation and which are considered commodities, reducing jurisdictional ambiguity. What could happen if a crypto market structure bill like CLARITY Act does not pass? If a clear crypto market structure bill does not pass, the industry may continue to face regulatory uncertainty, potentially leading to stifled innovation, increased legal challenges for crypto companies, and a less secure environment for investors due to inconsistent enforcement and unclear rules. Did you find this article insightful? Share it with your network to help spread awareness about the crucial discussions shaping the future of digital assets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto regulation and institutional adoption. This post Urgent: Coinbase CEO Pushes for Crucial Crypto Market Structure Bill first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 20:35