MANILA, Philippines — The dispute between Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson over infrastructure projects and reclamation areas along Laguna Lake in Taguig City has intensified, with Cayetano challenging Lacson to present evidence supporting his claim that billions of pesos in public funds may have been wasted.
Lacson recently said that at least ₱3.713 billion in government funds was involved in completed, ongoing and suspended Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood-control and multipurpose projects located along what he described as “illegal” Laguna Lakeshore reclamation areas in Taguig.
The senator said the amount was based on official records and the findings of his investigation. He also alleged that the figure does not include other projects involving alleged double appropriations, questionable slope-protection works and supposed “ghost” projects that allegedly used recycled photographs for billing purposes.
Cayetano: Lakeshore was not “wasted”
Cayetano, who represents Taguig’s political leadership in the ongoing controversy, rejected the characterization of the Lakeshore development as a waste of public resources.
In a statement posted on National Heroes Day, Cayetano said the Lakeshore area continues to be used for events and activities involving health, education, leisure, business and other public functions.
He argued that the area remains an asset with potential benefits for Taguig residents and the wider public.
Cayetano also challenged Lacson to substantiate his allegations against the DPWH, the Taguig government or Cayetano himself.
“If there is evidence against DPWH, Taguig, or against me, then present it,” Cayetano said, calling for the allegations to be addressed through the proper judicial process rather than through what he described as political theatrics.
Lacson says evidence has already been submitted
Lacson, however, maintains that his allegations are supported by documents gathered during his investigation.
After Cayetano challenged him to produce evidence, Lacson said his office had already submitted evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman and told the Inquirer that Cayetano should simply wait for the proceedings.
Earlier, Lacson said his investigation had uncovered alleged irregularities involving infrastructure projects in Taguig, including claims of double billing and the use of identical photographs in supposedly separate projects.
He previously said one alleged case involved two projects with different descriptions, locations, contractors and appropriations that allegedly used the same photograph for billing. Another involved a slope-protection project that he said received two separate appropriations. These remain allegations subject to investigation and verification by the appropriate authorities.
Reclamation questions add another layer
The controversy is not limited to infrastructure spending.
Lacson has also raised questions about the legality of reclamation and land titles in parts of the Taguig lakeshore area.
He recently identified four parcels that he alleged were covered by fraudulently issued titles, while saying four other parcels had no plotted title lots in the Land Registration Authority’s digital records.
One of the properties he identified covers approximately 181,077 square meters, while another reportedly measures 193,027 square meters. Lacson has characterized the properties and reclamation activities as matters requiring further government scrutiny.
Cayetano has disputed the broader accusations and has said that if land was illegally titled, he would actually welcome the possibility that it could ultimately revert to the government.
DPWH orders halt to questioned reclamation work
The controversy has also drawn the attention of national government agencies.
According to reports, DPWH issued cease-and-desist orders involving reclamation-related projects in Taguig following a directive coursed through the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
This development has added another significant question to the dispute: whether projects built on or around the questioned reclaimed areas can continue, and what happens to government-funded infrastructure already completed or under construction.
The political fight continues
The Taguig controversy has become part of a broader political clash between Lacson and Cayetano.
Lacson has previously accused Cayetano of having budget insertions amounting to ₱6.79 billion in the 2025 national budget, an allegation Cayetano has denied.
Cayetano, meanwhile, has repeatedly rejected accusations involving ghost projects in Taguig and has called for investigations into infrastructure projects beyond the city as well.
The dispute now moves beyond public exchanges, with Lacson saying evidence has been submitted to the Ombudsman.
For now, the ₱3.713-billion figure represents Lacson’s assessment of the government funds involved in the projects he identified—not a final finding that the money was illegally spent or definitively wasted.
Whether the questioned projects involved legitimate government spending, irregular procurement, double funding, improper reclamation or other violations will ultimately depend on the findings of the relevant investigative and judicial authorities.
As both senators continue trading accusations and challenges, the bigger question remains: Will the documents submitted to the Ombudsman substantiate Lacson’s allegations—or will the investigation ultimately clear the projects and the officials involved?
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