Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson released new evidence on Sunday detailing alleged double billing and double collections for infrastructure projects in Taguig City, the political stronghold of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.
Taking to social media, the former national police chief exposed two distinct instances of alleged corruption. The first involved two separate infrastructure projects that submitted the exact same photograph to claim payment.
The second involved a single slope protection project that received—and collected on—two separate budget allocations.
”TAGUIG GHOST INFRA PROJECTS UPDATE #4: Two different projects, two distinct appropriations, two different technical descriptions and locations, two different contractors, but sharing the same photo for billing purposes. Status: both billed and collected,” Lacson stated.
”(The second case involves) One slope protection project, one location, one technical description, two separate budget appropriations. Status: both billed and collected,” he added.
”Are these not criminal acts?” Lacson pointed out.
These revelations build on a growing series of alleged irregularities uncovered by Lacson and his team regarding Taguig’s public works. He previously remarked that the mountain of evidence gathered has reached a point best described as “SHOOT SA KALDERO.”
”The full details and pieces of evidence will be turned over to the Ombudsman or presented during the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings when called,” Lacson said.
Addressing the broader political fallout, the veteran lawmaker emphasized that a person’s response to integrity attacks reveals their true character, urging the innocent to boldly stand their ground.
”BE NOT AFRAID. When one’s integrity is attacked, his character is revealed and tested. The guilty bargains and pleads; the innocent stands his ground and challenges his attacker on even terms,” Lacson posted.
The phrase “Be Not Afraid” echoes the title of the anti-corruption coalition Lacson founded in 2005, a principle he maintains has guided his more than 50 years in public service.