MANILA(November 25) — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson shot down proposals for a military-backed “reset” and a transition council amid the flood control corruption scandal, calling the ideas unconstitutional and harmful.
Lacson confirmed some retired generals even offered him a spot in a proposed junta, but he refused. “Nothing good can come out of a military-backed intervention,” he said, urging the public to focus anger on legal reforms instead of extra-legal shortcuts.
He said even the Catholic Church is against violent solutions, citing a recent meeting with CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David.
Lacson noted “positive steps,” including arrest warrants for ex-congressman Zaldy Co and others linked to anomalous flood control projects. He added that senators are now pushing for a cleaner, more transparent 2026 budget.
Malacañang backed Lacson’s stand. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said any military junta “violates the Constitution” and accused proponents of a transition council of wanting only to remove President Marcos for personal gain.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte brushed off questions on whether she is ready to succeed Marcos, saying answering would “cause chaos.” She again challenged the President to take a drug test—prompting Castro to remind her that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, once admitted using marijuana and fentanyl.
Castro said Marcos is focused on fighting corruption, unlike “others who show uncontrollable anger issues.”
