Palace: Taguig Flood Control Probe to Continue Despite Lacson-Cayetano Reconciliation

Malacañang on Tuesday expressed support for efforts to mend ties between Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alan Peter Cayetano, but said it believes the reconciliation will not affect the ongoing investigation into the allegedly questionable flood control projects in Taguig City. At a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said public officials should maintain good working relationships despite differences. “Mas maganda naman po talaga na ang bawat tao, hindi lang po public servants, lahat po sana ay nagkakasundo. May mga pagkakataon na magkakaiba nga ang opinyon, pero hindi kinakailangan talaga na umabot sa hindi magandang relasyon,” Castro said. (It is better if everyone—not only public servants—gets along. There may be differences in opinion, but these should not lead to strained relationships.) Her remarks came after Senator Erwin Tulfo said senators held a caucus in an effort to reconcile Lacson and Cayetano, prompting concerns that the investigation into the alleged irregularities in Taguig’s flood control projects involving Cayetano could be affected. Castro, however, said the Palace believes Lacson will continue pursuing the probe if warranted by evidence. “Kung sila po ay magkakasundo at mawawala na iyong mga personal nilang sentimyento sa bawat isa, mas magiging maganda ang kanilang relasyon sa pagtatrabaho. Pero naniniwala tayo na sa pagkatao po ni Senator Lacson, hindi po siya makikipag-compromise para lang mawala ang kaniyang pag-iimbestiga.” (If they reconcile and set aside their personal differences, it will only improve their working relationship. But we believe Senator Lacson will not compromise just to stop his investigation.) She added that investigations should continue if supported by evidence. “Naniniwala tayo na tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang mga isyu na dapat na imbestigahan. Kung may mga ebidensiya, alam po natin na ito ay kaniyang ipagpapatuloy.” (We believe the issues that need to be investigated will continue to be pursued. If there is evidence, we know he will continue the investigation.) Lacson has been looking into alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Taguig, while Cayetano has denied any wrongdoing. –NB, GMA News