Cayetano Denies 'Ghost Projects' in Taguig, Urges Lacson to Probe Other Cities

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday vehemently denied the existence of "ghost projects" in Taguig City, urging Senator Panfilo Lacson to investigate other major urban centers instead of singling out Taguig. Cayetano suggested that Lacson's focus on Taguig might stem from personal animosity rather than an objective assessment of public funds. According to Cayetano, the Office of the Ombudsman, during what he claimed was an interview in 2025, had already stated that there were no ghost projects in Taguig. He added that his own office had conducted a separate review of the city's projects and likewise found no ghost projects. "There are no ghost projects in Taguig. And if you can show us something, they will be held accountable. But when we followed the government funds, the projects were there," Cayetano stated. The lawmaker then dared Lacson to also look at other highly urbanized cities like Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Parañaque, and not just single out Taguig because Lacson was vexed by him. "I'm not saying those cities have problems. What I'm saying is, Senator Lacson needs to show that he's not just annoyed with one person," he said. This pronouncement was a direct response to Lacson's earlier statement where he said Cayetano belonged to Quezon City jail due to alleged corruption. Lacson had stated he was already counting on informants and witnesses to provide information and evidence "to put [Cayetano] in his proper place – the Payatas, QC jail." The feud between the two senators intensified over the weekend after Cayetano accused Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo of their net worth doubling. In response, Lacson alleged that Cayetano made P6.79 billion in budget insertions under the 2025 national budget. Lacson maintained that he had never made budget insertions since he became a senator. The exchange highlights ongoing political rivalries in the Philippines and raises questions about accountability in the use of public funds, particularly concerning local government projects and the potential influence of personal disputes on official duties.