Lino Cayetano Willing to Testify on 'Ghost Projects' in Taguig, Says Lacson

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed on Monday that Lino Cayetano, general manager of People’s Television Network and younger brother of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, has volunteered to testify regarding alleged “ghost projects” in Taguig City. According to Lacson, Lino Cayetano expressed his desire to assist in the investigation, stating he has knowledge of numerous ghost projects within the city, which is considered the political stronghold of the Cayetano family. Lacson elaborated that his office has been scrutinizing “defective projects” linked to private contractors Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya, particularly those involving companies associated with the period when Alan Peter Cayetano served as Speaker of the House of Representatives. He affirmed that he would not fabricate evidence and would dedicate extra effort to substantiate his findings. In response, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano took to Facebook Live to refute Lacson's claims. He argued that despite Taguig City’s orderliness, it is being subjected to investigation. Cayetano also questioned why he, and not Lacson, is being investigated, pointing out Lacson's past photograph with the Discaya individuals. The two senators have been exchanging accusations since Friday, with Alan Peter Cayetano alleging that Lacson's net worth had doubled over the years. Lacson countered by asserting that his wealth quadrupled from legitimate sources and suggested Alan Peter Cayetano should face imprisonment for corruption. Following Lacson's statements, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also initiated its own probe. NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that 11 projects in 2022 were found to be related to top contractors and linked to Alan Peter Cayetano, indicating they will be investigated. The NBI had previously begun investigating alleged irregularities in the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, a committee chaired by Alan Peter Cayetano, and is considering issuing subpoenas to former officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc). Matibag added that Alan Peter Cayetano might need to be subpoenaed if implicated by Phisgoc officials. He also raised questions about why Alan Peter Cayetano's name was not listed on the board of directors, despite his recent declaration of serving as Phisgoc chair, stating that membership on the board is typically a prerequisite for the chairmanship.