PRA Officials Harassed Over Alleged Illegal Reclamation in Taguig – Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) officials were subjected to harassment by Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano while inspecting alleged illegally reclaimed land along the Laguna lakeshore in Taguig, Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed. Lacson stated in a social media post that he met with PRA officials who disclosed they faced verbal harassment from Cayetano during the November 2025 plenary deliberations on the Office of the President’s budget, under which the PRA operates. The officials also reported physical intimidation during an on-site inspection in the Lakeshore area where the alleged illegal reclamation activities are taking place. Lacson said these revelations solidified his earlier claims of irregularities surrounding the reclamation project. He announced plans to coordinate with the PRA, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to prosecute those involved and forfeit the reclaimed areas to the national government, declaring, “There is no turning back!” Cayetano, however, rejected the allegations during a Facebook Live broadcast, asserting that no private reclamation projects exist in the area. He claimed all developments were government-initiated parks for public enjoyment and were necessary to protect the area from syndicates and informal settlers. Cayetano called for an investigation into Lacson for allegedly using his position to target critics. This development raises questions about the transparency of reclamation projects in the Philippines and the potential for political influence in such developments.