MANILA, Philippines — Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano pressed officials of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) during a budget hearing on Monday, October 19, over accusations that the regulatory body is unfairly targeting Taguig City by publicly highlighting its investigations into local reclamation activities.
During the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) budget deliberation, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano questioned why the agency seemingly singled out their bailiwick while allegedly keeping quiet about similar infractions elsewhere.
“Ang Taguig may reputation. Taguig cannot speak for itself. Never mind my reputation,” Alan Peter stated during the hearing.
Construction initiatives in Taguig City were previously halted over alleged unauthorized reclamation projects within Laguna de Bay.
Senator Pia Cayetano echoed her brother’s sentiments, asking the agency about its public communication strategy.
“Why do you make it appear in public na ang daming may masasamang nangyayari sa Taguig? And if you don’t, if that is not the intention, then why publicize for Taguig and you don’t publicize your work in other places,” Pia said.
According to Alan Peter, the LLDA also issued cease-and-desist notices to projects situated in Angono, Rizal, and Muntinlupa without giving those cases the same public attention.
In response, LLDA General Manager Engr. Leopoldo Parumog rejected allegations of selective enforcement or political motivation.
“Wala pong politikal, walang pinipili, lahat po aaksyunan,” Parumog told the lawmakers.
Alan Peter, however, immediately countered the general manager’s defense, remarking, “That’s a conclusion of law, conclusion of fact yung sinasabi mo.”
The exchange also touched upon inquiries made by former senator and official Panfilo “Ping” Lacson regarding illegal reclamation along portions of the lake.
When asked about his interactions with Lacson, Parumog denied having any physical meetings.
“How many times have you met with Senator Lacson?” Alan Peter asked.
“Not yet po. Tumatawag po sila sa akin, baka pwedeng wag na ako pumunta kay senator, yun lang po ang sinabi ko,” Parumog replied.
To resolve the mounting tensions, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who presided over the budget hearing, directed the LLDA and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to submit written replies addressing the Cayetanos’ concerns prior to bringing the DENR budget to the plenary.