'Ghost Projects' Uncovered in Taguig River Flood Control Projects

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stated on Saturday that his investigation, which Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had previously mocked as a “ghost hunt,” has uncovered suspected “ghost” slope protection and flood mitigation projects along the Taguig River. The Office of the Ombudsman is now investigating these alleged projects. “True. Ang dami palang ‘multo’ na slope protection and flood mitigation projects along Taguig River. The Ombudsman is now investigating,” Lacson posted on X. This was in response to Cayetano’s remark on Friday, where he likened Lacson’s probe into alleged anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig to “naghahanap ng multo” or looking for ghosts. The two senators have been engaged in a war of words over allegations concerning flood control and land reclamation projects in Taguig, which is Cayetano’s political bailiwick. Cayetano had earlier accused Lacson of mounting a “demolition job,” “witch hunt,” and “trial by publicity” against him. Lacson, in turn, said Cayetano “quakes in his shoes” whenever he sees the evidence he presents. Lacson also mentioned that the Ombudsman is investigating alleged illegal reclamation on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake, which he said is separate from the alleged ghost projects. Furthermore, Lacson referred to an incident where Taguig City government personnel were arrested by the Special Action Force (SAF) on Friday after allegedly attempting to prevent Ombudsman investigators from conducting their probe. “Pero hinarang sila ng taga city hall kaya pinahuli sa SAF (Special Action Force) kahapon,” he said. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed that his office has started looking into the allegations. Lacson and his staff had previously turned over evidence to the Ombudsman involving the alleged reclamation and supposed anomalies in slope protection and flood mitigation projects, including alleged double appropriations and “ghost” projects. Lacson also indicated that the reported confrontation was not the first instance of harassment involving government personnel taking action on reclamation activities in the area.