The Office of the Ombudsman has issued subpoenas to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) along with several government offices to gather documents on unauthorized reclamation operations in the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed Wednesday, August 19.
Lacson stated that the Ombudsman’s preliminary probe is ongoing, with his office providing supporting evidence and updates.
The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) has also provided aerial drone footage covering the locations under review.
”I believe nagpadala na ng subpoena ang Office of the Ombudsman sa DPWH duces tecum, kinukuha lahat na records sa Taguig. At ang PRA nagpadala na rin ng kanilang drone shots. Walong reclamation sites,” Lacson shared during a radio broadcast.
The lawmaker noted that subpoenas were also directed to the Land Registration Authority (LRA), the Taguig Registry of Deeds, the DPWH, and the PRA to secure property records tied to the inquiry.
”May subpoena na pinalabas ang Ombudsman sa Land Registration Authority, Registry of Deeds ng Taguig, at sa DPWH, pati sa PRA. Lahat na documents kasi pinadala din namin ang 10 title numbers na nakuha namin so kailangan tingnan kung kanino nakatitulo ito. Yan ang subpoena na alam kong huling naipalabas ng Ombudsman, at least sa fact-finding nila para magkaroon ng basehan sa kanilang preliminary investigation,” he noted.
Lacson clarified that his team is supporting the Ombudsman’s inquiry by forwarding documentary proof, updates, and testimony from whistleblowers and witnesses.
”Of course, Ombudsman ang ahensya na dapat tumugon. Tagatulong lang kami taga-supply ng documents and testigo na lumapit sa amin, pinadala namin sa kanila,” he explained.
Authorities are reviewing eight reclamation locations, of which only one has been finished. The remaining seven developments, some dating back to 2007, remain in progress.
Following board resolution approval, the PRA plans to launch forfeiture proceedings over roughly 85 hectares of land linked to the unapproved reclamation. PRA data indicates the affected development area spans a minimum of 85 hectares.
Lacson warned that unpermitted developments risk intensifying severe siltation across Laguna Lake.
”Silted na nga ang Laguna Lake, tinambakan mo pa, ang hindi inabot ng tambak lalong masi-silt malalagyan ng lupa sa ilalim,” he added.