Taguig flood control projects probed as brother asks for scrutiny

Senator Erwin Tulfo said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano should brace for an upcoming probe into flood control projects in Taguig City, which his brother, Mayor Lino Cayetano, has asked authorities to scrutinize. Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said Cayetano is now in a more difficult position because his younger brother is willing to testify regarding the alleged irregularities. “His younger brother is seeking an investigation into flood control projects in Taguig from 2022 to 2025. He should probably prepare for that because it is his own brother who is calling for an investigation,” Tulfo told Super Radyo dzBB. He added that once the Blue Ribbon Committee resumes its hearings, it will invite Lino Cayetano, along with the bodyguards of former lawmaker Zaldy Co and other resource persons. “It appears that he [Lino Cayetano] knows something. Why would he call for an investigation into flood control projects in his own area if he didn’t know anything? It seems he knows something that he is not happy about." In a Facebook Live broadcast, Alan Cayetano denied the allegations and said that, to the best of his knowledge, there were no ghost flood control projects in Taguig. He also stated that inspections had been conducted several times. Tulfo assured that the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings would push through, saying the panel's membership would be formalized on Monday morning, July 27. However, he said cases already being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman would be left to the agency to avoid duplication, unless new developments emerge. Tulfo also said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano should prepare for information and documents that Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has said he would provide concerning flood control projects. Lacson on Sunday decried Cayetano's attack on his integrity and said he was in contact with informants and witnesses who were willing to provide information and evidence that could put the latter in jail. This development highlights potential family conflicts spilling into public scrutiny, a common theme in Philippine politics. The transparency and accountability of public works are often under question, and this case could influence oversight mechanisms in future governance.