Lacson Flags Suspected 'Ghost Projects' in Taguig City

Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alan Peter Cayetano —File photo MANILA, Philippines — There is “no turning back,” Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Wednesday as he flagged at least two suspected “ghost” infrastructure projects in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of Senate Minority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano. “Taguig ghost infra projects update: We have documented at least [two] case studies so far. Too many P100 million slope protection and drainage projects totaling P2.085 billion out of [Cayetano’s] P6.79 billion insertions under the 2025 GAA (General Appropriations Act),” Lacson, citing initial findings by his team, said in a post on X. He earlier said he was gathering documentary and testimonial evidence about the alleged budget insertions for 70 projects in Taguig City, adding that 68 of these were implemented. “So, only 2 projects, equivalent to around P75M, are left unreleased or unobligated. In short, a total of P6.715 billion was spent. While you do the math, we will keep digging,” Lacson had said. READ: Lacson: Lino Cayetano willing to testify on ‘ghost projects’ He and Cayetano have been trading accusations since the weekend, with the latter questioning the alleged doubling of Lacson’s networth. Lacson, while stressing that he had earned his wealth through legitimate means, clapped back by saying he was still counting informants and witnesses, directly or through intermediaries, who were willing to provide information and evidence to put Cayetano in jail. He added that one of those who had volunteered to speak up about ghost projects in Taguig City was the senator’s brother, Lino Cayetano. The Inquirer tried to reach Senator Cayetano through his media officer for comment although he had yet to respond as of this writing. READ: Lacson says Cayetano belongs in QC jail for alleged corruption But in a previous Facebook livestream, Cayetano had challenged Lacson to prove his claim, stressing that there are no ghost projects in Taguig. “If you can show one, someone should be held accountable,” he said. The National Bureau of Investigation has also started an investigation into the alleged Taguig ghost projects following Lacson’s claims. Over the weekend, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, the current chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, warned Cayetano to brace himself for the resumption of the hearing on the flood control mess as Lino Cayetano would be among those who will be invited to testify. /cb