Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stated that an inquiry into Taguig infrastructure—previously dismissed by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano as a “ghost hunt”—has uncovered several questionable flood control and slope protection structures.
According to Lacson, the Office of the Ombudsman is currently reviewing suspected “ghost” projects along the Taguig River, as well as an alleged unauthorized reclamation along the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake.
He noted that Ombudsman investigators encountered obstruction from local city hall personnel during their probe.
”True. Ang dami palang ‘multo’ na slope protection and flood mitigation projects along Taguig River. The Ombudsman is now investigating. The illegal reclamation is a separate case that they are also looking into, pero hinarang sila ng taga city hall kaya pinahuli sa SAF kahapon,” Lacson said.
The senator’s remarks followed a social media livestream by Cayetano, who characterized the probe into the city’s public works as “naghahanap ng multo.”
Lacson and his team previously submitted evidence to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla regarding duplicate funding, potentially non-existent slope protection efforts, and illegal land reclamation. Remulla confirmed that his office has opened an official investigation into the matter.
Addressing the reported confrontation at the site, Lacson confirmed that several municipal employees were detained after attempting to block investigators.
”Astang astig, nakakita ng katapat,” he noted.
Lacson added that government personnel, including teams from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), have previously encountered similar resistance while conducting operations in the area.
He clarified that the illegal reclamation probe remains distinct from the ongoing inquiry into questionable flood mitigation structures, with both matters now before the Ombudsman.