Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday, April 28, firmly denied the existence of “ghost projects” within Taguig City, following a rigorous site inspection alongside representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The lawmaker made the clarification after visiting the construction site of the Justice, Law and Order (JLaw) Building in Barangay Lower Bicutan. Joining him during the walkthrough were Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and various local government officials.
Once completed, the five-story facility is designed to provide office space for local courts, prosecutors, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), and integrated detention units.
The site’s history has recently been under the spotlight, as it was formerly part of a 2020 multi-purpose building contract awarded to contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya. The contractors are currently the subject of an investigation regarding potential irregularities in various government infrastructure deals.
Addressing the media, Cayetano emphasized that the city maintains a strict standard of accountability regardless of who is involved.
“Dito (sa Taguig) wala kaming sinasanto,” Cayetano told reporters. “Walang ghost (projects) sa Taguig, it was all bidded.”
Cayetano explained that preliminary audits of city developments showed no evidence of non-existent or fabricated infrastructure.
He noted that while there have been discussions surrounding the project, the primary concerns lie within the complexities of procurement and implementation rather than the physical absence of the buildings.
The senator pointed out that the competitive nature of public auctions means the government cannot always control who wins a contract, but they can control the transparency of the oversight.
“But that’s the problem (with) open bidding. ‘Pag (if) open bidding, anyone can win. That’s precisely why we invited you (media) we invited DPWH Sec. Vince. Walang tinatago dito,” he remarked.
Throughout the inspection, Cayetano repeatedly called for full transparency, urging both the media and public officials to scrutinize the city’s records and physical progress.
“That’s why at the start of this (inspection), sinabi ko sa lahat (I told everyone)— open books, transparent, tingnan niyo lahat. Ang request ko lang, sabay-sabay gawin. Para hindi y’ung may tinitingnan, may tinititigan,” Cayetano added.
The joint visit is part of a broader push for increased accountability in public works, ensuring that taxpayer-funded projects are completed according to standards and are free from the stigma of corruption.