In your opinion, is Sen. Lacson's inquiry into the "road to nowhere" politically motivated?

Ping is politically clamping down on early bird candidate Villar, but this investigation will again have no closure. It is being done with the elections in mind and for political grandstanding. – Jim Veneracion, Naga City

I believe so, but it’s tame compared to the other, more absurd bickering, like that on the Joc Joc issue and, now, the rice scandal in the DA. I personally laud Sen. Ping’s efforts to unmask corruption even among his colleagues. – June Wenceslao, New York CITY

Consider the timing

Absolutely. The project was way back in 2001, so why only now, after Villar announced his intention to run for President? And look who’s making noise in the inquiry. Most of them are from last elections’ Genuine Opposition party. It only shows that, because of personal ambitions, in politics there are no permanent friends. – Danny de Leon, Al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia

The timing, the venue, the way it was unveiled and initiated, the ongoing inquiry into this “road to nowhere”, is absolutely politically motivated. – Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City

Considering the timing, his presidential ambition and other circumstances, yes it is. He is now acting like a traditional politician, even if he once said he hates politics and politician. – Rodolfo Capili, Caloocan City

The timing of Sen. Lacson’s exposé comes right after Sen. Villar’s announcement to seek the 2010 presidency. Inggit lang si Ping dahil suportado ni Erap. – Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City

Road to the presidency?

Ping is a politician. This “road to nowhere” might be the “road to the presidency” for him. – Rico Fabello, Parañaque City

It is politically motivated, and it helps the accuser in his presidential aspirations. – Jae delos Santos, Muntinlupa City

Yes, because Lacson wants to eliminate Villar as a presidential hopeful and would not have done it had Villar not announced his candidacy. – Romeo Caubat, Masbate

Why, of course! Propaganda niya iyan. May ambisyon din siya e. – Lydia Reyes, Bataan

Yes it is. Ping wants to appear perfect in the eyes of many people so that he can get more votes in the presidential elections. – Emhz Lopez, Batangas City

Lacson is the picture of a person in a hurry to be on the road to Malacañang. He’s desperate to the extent of making a deal with the devil. – Mike Sayat, Iloilo City

Sen. Lacson is trying hard to cultivate himself into the mold and image of the late Arsenio Lacson for an ambitious undertaking. – Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City

The timing is suspicious

Lacson breathes and exists only because of politics. Considering his timing, his inquiry reeks of selfish political agenda. – Ruel Bautista, Laguna

Anything that comes out this early for or against anyone who plans to run for president in 2010 is always suspect of being politically motivated. – Jun Cajucom, Tacloban City

Sen. Ping may have good intentions in his exposé, but the “road to nowhere” inquiry is certainly politically motivated, with the 2010 elections in mind. – Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City

Plain and simple, Sen. Lacson questioning Sen. Villar on the issue of budget insertions is politically motivated because of the 2008 national elections. – Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan

First salvo

Obviously, the good senator fired the first salvo of the 2010 national elections, which could turn out to be the most expensive and dirtiest elections in history. – Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City

It is politically motivated. His style is to condemn first, and deliver half-truths with theatrical rhetorics as national media is looking. The effect is: Matapang ang dating; crusader ang litaw; pang-pangulo daw. Medyo baguhin naman sana, pati yung hairdo. – Rey Onate, Palayan City

The “road to nowhere” is the opening salvo of the free-for-all among 2010 presidential hopefuls. Fighting will be more vicious as 2010 nears. – Nony de Leon, Bulacan

The inquiry is the opening salvo of Senator Ping’s roadshow presentation, “Ang Pagbabalik ng Lawin”. Let’s see how Sen. Manny counters this. – L.C. Fiel, Quezon City

Bravo, Sen. Lacson!

Politically motivated or not, we should be thankful to Sen. Lacson. This “road to nowhere” would not have been exposed without the guts of the crusading senator. – Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City

Definitely, there is a color of politics here, but there are also questions that need answers, so Sen. Lacson’s exposé is just fine with me. I just hope that he won’t overdo his pagpapakabayan because he’s my bet for 2010. – Mario Tejada, Ilocos Norte

His exposé serves two purposes: To bolster his future candidacy and to abort the proliferation of siphoning funds for vested interests, which has caused our government to be in a state of leukemia. – Concepcion Gaspar, Laoag City

No, it’s just that the announcement of Villar and the passing of the 2008 budget came out in the same year. It is Lacson’s responsibility to tell. – Jojit Yu, Metro Manila

It is not important whether Sen. Lacson’s exposé is politically motivated or not. We should be thankful that he exposed the long-rumored budget insertions. We’re talking here of not just 30 to 50 per cent commissions on projects; taxpayers are paying twice the price for double- funded projects. Besides this “road to nowhere,” Sen. Lacson also mentioned tens of billions of possible insertions in the 2009 budget. What about budgets of past decades? This could be just the tip of the iceberg. – Robert Young Jr., San Juan

Being a politician, Ping Lacson’s inquiry may impute political overtones. Still, we owe him much for his vigilance. PGMA’s regime is infested with blood-sucking termites that crusaders like Ping are needed to exterminate them. PGMA’s reign of greed must be put on notice lest we be sold down the drain. – William Gonzaga, Marikina City

As a concerned citizen, Sen. Lacson has the right to inquire where our hard-earned money goes and, well, he is not just after GMA after all. – Gil Planas, Davao City

Whether politically motivated or not, it is his prerogative to let the public know what he believes is wrong and to let truth prevail. – Justo Cammayo, Isabela

Threatened by Villar’s candidacy

May bahid pulitika talaga. Why have the exposé only now when all along they knew about the double insertions? I guess they were threatened by Villar’s early campaigning. – Ella Arenas, Pangasinan

After reading the Sept. 16 column of Federico D. Pascual Jr., I am now more inclined to believe that Sen. Lacson’s inquiry into this “road to nowhere” is politically motivated. We have seen such kinds of palabas, most of which went pffft! This one is well-timed to make the gullible believe in an apparently unfounded accusation against a presidentiable just after he announced his candidacy. – I.Q. Calata, Parañaque City

Yes. Senator Lacson passed a rash judgment on the issue. His tirade is a political strategy to discredit a fellow presidentiable. – Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte

Absolutely. His objective is to tarnish Villar’s reputation and force him to resign as Senate President. That makes him the dirtiest among politicians. – Ferdinand Rafer, Cavite

His exposé pushed Villar into a tough corner and tarnished his reputation as a corruption buster. Lacson’s tactical move has a short-term goal with long-term implications. – Johann Lucas, Quezon City

Presidential wannabe Ping’s dirt-digging on the “road to nowhere” of realty tycoon and presidential wannabe Manny is certainly politically motivated. His dirt-digging and excavations on this “road to nowhere” is good for our kitten republic with poor infrastructure. It should spell bye-bye to Villar’s presidential ambition. – Elpidio Que, Vigan

Survival of the fittest

Politics is the name of the game; trapos play it a la “survival of the fittest”. Everyone is fair game. Pakapalan na lang sila ng mukha. – Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan

It could boomerang on Lacson

Yes, it is an inquiry in aid of political assassination, which will boomerang on Sen. Lacson, who also signed the report. – C.B. Manalastas, Manila

Sure, it is, but it is good for the public to know the modus operandi. However, it does not exempt him from the anomaly. – Ed Alawi, Davao City

I think my kababayan Sen. Lacson should do some research about his “road to nowhere” exposé where he is a signatory to the budget insertion. – T. Sanez, Cavite

Sen. Ping should support his claims on the C-5 road extension scam. He should not just start controversies that may very well end up like a “road to nowhere!” – Maan Tumaneng, Vigan City

Cheap shot

I believe so. The Senator’s inquiry on all issues, given the opportunity, could be part of his demolition job; brickbats aimed mainly at his possible co-presidential wannabes in the 2010 elections. Pogi points, ’ika nga, or simply political mileage. One thing is certain, Sen. Lacson will try and try until he succeeds. – Manny Cordeta, Marikina City

The Senate has always been the venue of cheap zarzuelas and vaudeville acts instead of legislative excellence. Clearly, the motivation is politics. – Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City

Were I born just yesterday, I would say it’s not. One thing’s for sure, with this new exposé, our future will go nowhere. – Cyrus Galang, Cavite

Yes, Sen. Lacson is at it again: Exposing alleged anomalies and abandoning them before they reach boiling point. It bears the trademarks of Sen. Lacson’s usual exposés. – Cris Rivera, Rizal

No longer an august Senate

Everything these opposition senators have done is always politically motivated, and for personal aggrandizement. Most of them have developed delusions of infallibility in all of their pronouncements, as if they’ve never been involved in some carnapping or kidnapping syndicates earlier in their careers, which have provided for their senatorial campaign kitty. They even unconsciously make themselves appear like assholes while seated on presidential tables, typing text messages on their cellphones, oblivious to TV cameras focused on the speaker right beside them! And some of them can’t help but put “adolescent band-aid” on their faces that tell the viewers what has gone wrong with their heads or faces. If the Senate is not a troop of circus jugglers and acrobats, nobody can tell what it has digressed into. – M. Sunico, Caloocan City

Sen. Ping Lacson’s record speaks for itself. It’s a pity that even as a member of an august body like the Senate, he has never expressed the nuances of being such. – Felix Ramento, Manila

An exposé that’s going nowhere

Very obvious. Just like the other senators, puro inquiries, walang legislation. This would definitely be a road to nowhere. – Joseph Aliviado, Cagayan de Oro City

As students are after passing grades, so are senators after pogi points. While I believe in Sen/ Lacson’s unfortunate entry to the wide road, his exposé is shrouded by political clouds. Thus, the road to nowhere will definitely exit to nowhere. – Imee Aglibot, Rizal

Lacson’s “Road to Nowhere” is just one of his issues that amount to nothing. We should call them “Exposés that lead to nowhere.” – Debbie Genato, Quezon City

This calls for an investigation

Politically motivated or not, his exposé is a serious matter that merits a thorough probe. If found to be anomalous, we salute him; otherwise, Ping should be ostracized. – Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City

It does not matter whether it’s politically motivated or not. Just make sure that his inquiry into this “road to nowhere” is well scrutinized so as to make sense; otherwise, it may go kaput like his previous exposés. – Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City

I don’t think it’s going nowhere. I think that, given more facts, we’ll know if there was any truth to Sen. Lacson’s accusations. He has been firm on his stand so far. ‘Yun nga lang, sometimes, he ends up shooting himself in the foot. I hope he can prove the allegations. However, being from Tondo myself, I hope that Villar can also clear his name. These two are my bets to become the next Philippine presidents. – Alvin Perez, Manila

There they go again. Whenever there is an exposé, the defense of the accused is politics. With Lacson and Villar, I believe this is a matter of first weighing circumstantial evidence before passing on judgment because the personalities involved both have credibility. For me, Lacson is still a man of courage. Matapang and a disciplinarian. During his time, kotong cops disappeared from the streets. Villar, on the other hand, also has an untainted image. He is a self-made billionaire. Proper investigation needs to be conducted. But in my opinion, kahit na ito ay umabot pa sa korte, it will just die a natural death. – Rose Leobrera, Manila

I’ll hazard a hunch: He must have the luxury of time and maintenance funds. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t he snub his pork barrel, without which he couldn’t embark on cash-intensive projects that have now become subject to suspicion, malicious scrutiny? Your honor, how about procuring more crime laboratory equipment? – Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City

If the allegations are true, I think the government will look into this matter. This kind of scam has been going on for years now; however, no definite proof has been established. – Alfredo Carballo Jr., Negros Occidental

It does not matter whether the intention of Sen. Ping Lacson is politically motivated or not, what’s important is that corruption must be stopped. Our leaders were elected to help and serve the people, not to steal our government’s money. – Rommer Ryan Torres, Angeles City

Hindi pa na-imbestigahan ang bridge to nowhere, may lumabas na COA report na ang DA ay kasangkot sa P4 billion anomalya. Sana masagasaan ng pison ang mga ‘yun. – Vic Alim, Caloocan City

Why take Ping seriously?

Ping Lacson, a former Marcos henchman who idolizes the fallen dictator, must not be believed. – Winnie de Castro, Pangasinan

Ping is a trapo. He says one thing, but does another. Dapat mag-record sila ni Jamby ng new version ng “This Masquerade”. – Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City

Of course it is

Of course it’s politically motivated. What other reason is there? – R.D. Dulay, Baguio City

It has come to the point that, whether one is the accuser or the aggrieved, a person in politics always talks politics. – Victor Vinluan, Mandaluyong City

Any inquiry or exposé done by Senator Lacson will always come out as politically motivated. – Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City

My answer is yes. Need I elaborate? – Salvacion Tomines, Tarlac City

But of course. Anything our politicians say and do will always be politically motivated. Politicians are a rare breed of animals with self-preservation in mind. – Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan

Since when have all these endless inquiries or investigations not been politically motivated? Expect more to come until 2010. – Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Nueva Ecija

Yes, all exposés and privilege speeches in the halls of Congress and the Senate are politically motivated. It’s always a contest of wits and battle of guts, like what Lacson and Villar are embroiled in now. – Leonard Villa, Batac City

It’s politically motivated, like the other Senate inquiries that still await resolution. Expect nothing but the usual protagonists’ political bickering. – C.B. Fundales, Bulacan

Yes, and it’s starting to bore me. I think everybody is tired of this inquiry to nowhere, except for these people who can’t wait for the 2010 elections. – E. Linsangan, Isabela

Who’s getting the bigger slice?

Sen. Lacson’s ongoing inquiry is not only politically motivated, it is also a question of who got the bigger slice of the cake. – Eric Gopilan, Manila

It’s another unsustainable politically motivated exposé of Lacson. In the spirit of fairness and good governance, he should have included Mike Velarde’s take on the said project, which is alleged to be around P1 billion compared to Villar’s P92 million. – Seth Carranza, Catanduanes

Getting ready for 2010

Probably, so they can use it as their election kitty. – June Deoferio, Cavite

Sen. Villar will benefit from it

I don’t think it’s a double entry. The project will help ease the traffic burden in the South. However, we cannot turn a blind eye and believe that Villar has nothing to gain because the project will benefit his housing projects. In San Pedro, Laguna the construction of San Pedro Exit benefited his five subdivisions, La Marea, Camella South, Milan, Annex and Camella Woodhills. The exit will also help boost his property in the San Pedro-Muntinlupa loop route, especially in the Daang Hari. – Melvin Ambayec, Metro Manila

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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