Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano defended development projects along the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake, asserting that the initiatives aim to mitigate flooding, provide public recreation space, and thwart land-grabbing syndicates.
Cayetano explained that the plans originated in the late 1990s under the late former Public Works Secretary Gregorio Vigilar and persisted across multiple presidential terms.
His defense follows social media posts by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who claimed a case study on Taguig exposed a “cauldron of worms” involving ghost slope protection projects and illegal reclamation, vowing to seek accountability and land forfeiture through anti-graft agencies.
”Ang purpose po is to protect the lake. Ang purpose po ay ma-enjoy ng tao. Ang purpose po ay hindi malagyan ng informal settlers at hindi po magkaroon ng mga sindikato na kakamkamin ang mga lupa dyan at gagawin private. Ang purpose ay tulungan ng LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority) na protektahan ng lake kasi napakaraming lugar all around the lake na napuno ng informal settlers. Nagkaroon pa ng time dyan na ni-reclaim tapos ang ginamit po yung galing sa mga basura… tapos nung napuno na ay hindi na mapaalis. So, sa Taguig side po makikita nyo that is all government. It is all for government purposes. It is all for the people. Hindi po totoo na yan ay privately owned,” Cayetano said.
Rejecting claims of irregularity, Cayetano confirmed the land remains state-owned and urged Lacson to consult government offices before issuing public accusations.
”Don’t shoot first then ask questions later,” Cayetano said.
The minority leader also questioned Lacson’s shifting focus toward him rather than broader corruption targets.
”Ayoko na harapin niya yung mga korap. Kailan ko po siya pinigilan na labanan niya po yung mga korap? Siya po ang biglang tumigil sa mga imbestigasyon… suddenly ako ang gusto niyang imbestigahan,” Cayetano remarked.
While noting he could absorb personal attacks, Cayetano argued against compromising public infrastructure that serves local residents.
”Magalit ka sa akin kung may problema sa akin, pero yung titirahin mo yung 1.3 million Taguigeños na nakikinabang dyan… it’s really mind-boggling,” he added.
Cayetano highlighted that the lakeshore developments—comprising parks, flood management, and community hubs—could serve as a blueprint for neighboring lakefront municipalities.