A dispute over how alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects should be investigated has deepened between Sens. Panfilo Lacson and Alan Peter Cayetano, with the two trading criticisms over evidence and the pace of the inquiry.
Lacson maintained that investigators should build corruption cases carefully rather than rush to disclose findings. He said inquiries involving complicated transactions require a systematic review before evidence and conclusions are presented.
“It must be deliberate, methodical and thorough; not hasty nor sloppy,” Lacson said Saturday. He made the remark after Cayetano criticized the manner in which allegations involving Taguig projects were being released.
Cayetano had likened the gradual disclosure to a “striptease,” questioning why accusations were being raised without what he considered adequate proof. He denied the existence of ghost projects in Taguig and challenged Lacson to substantiate his claims.
The minority leader also argued that possible wrongdoing should be pursued through the Office of the Ombudsman instead of being litigated through public statements.
At the center of the disagreement are flood control and multipurpose projects being examined by Lacson’s office, including projects associated with reclamation areas on the Laguna de Bay side of Taguig.
Lacson has raised questions over at least Php 3.713 billion in public spending that he said may have gone to questionable projects. His claims remain allegations and have yet to be established through formal proceedings.
Separately, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon recently announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways had ordered a halt to alleged unauthorized reclamation activities in Taguig, adding another layer of scrutiny to development projects in the area.
