Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has accused individuals allegedly linked to infrastructure projects in Taguig City of pocketing costs, claiming the practice resulted in substandard work and alleged “ghost” projects.
Lacson said his camp had gathered documentary evidence, including contract records, progress billing documents and an alleged money trail, portions of which have alreadt been submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Senator said whistleblowers helped trace the alleged flow of commissions and claimed contractors were forced to cut corners to recover the costs of supposed ‘kickbacks.’
Lacson also alleged that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano exerted influence over the DPWH district engineer in Taguig, claiming officials who refused to comply with instructions were either replaced or intimidated.
He showed photographs that he said supported allegations of ghost infrastructure projects. Among the projects mentioned were four slope protection projects that were allegedly awarded to different contractors but reportedly used the same geotagged photographs as proof of completion.
Lacson also claimed that two contractors submitted identical progress photos despite filing them on different dates.
He said his team is still determining the total amount involved while continuing to gather additional pieces of evidence. He also alleged that Cayetano secured P6.795 billion worth of infrastructure project insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Cayetano denied the allegations and challenged Lacson to personally inspect infrastructure projects in Taguig.
“To the best of my knowledge, walang ghost project dito,” Cayetano said, adding that he is prepared to answer all accusations against him and welcomes a fair and impartial investigation.
The latest exchange further escalates the public dispute between the two senators over alleged irregularities in infrastructure and flood control projects in Taguig.