National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag announced on Monday that the bureau has launched an inquiry into suspected irregularities surrounding flood control infrastructure in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.
During an ambush interview with reporters, Matibag revealed that operatives are currently assessing multiple city projects that could be tied to previously flagged contractors.
“In fact, we’re already investigating,” Matibag said Monday during an ambush interview.
“Kasi no’ng 2022 meron siyang labing-isang proyekto d’yan na somehow related do’n sa mga pinangalanan na top 15 contractors,” he added.
The NBI chief explained that the agency opted to confirm the probe openly following recent public remarks made by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson regarding the matter.
“Public na naman ‘yan dahil sinasabi ni Senator Lacson, so I think we should mention it,” Matibag said.
This confirmation comes on the heels of a weekend social media spat between Lacson and Cayetano.
In an interview with Bilyonaryo News, Lacson claimed to have unmasked a supposed middleman connected to Cayetano who allegedly handled kickbacks of no less than 25 percent from Taguig-based infrastructure deals.
A number of local flood mitigation efforts are reportedly linked to scrutinized construction firms, including Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation, and the Discaya family-owned St. Timothy Construction Corporation.
Both Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation were previously identified among the top 15 contractors granted the biggest shares for flood management funding from July 2022 to May 2025.
Cayetano has vehemently dismissed the accusations, maintaining that non-existent infrastructure ventures do not exist in Taguig.
“Walang ghost projects sa Taguig to the best of our knowledge, ilan beses na nag-inspect,” Cayetano said.