By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo M. Lacson on Sunday disclosed fresh evidence that he said strengthens allegations of irregularities in several infrastructure projects in Taguig City, citing what appeared to be cases of double billing and duplicate appropriations involving government-funded works.
In an update posted on his social media account, Lacson detailed two separate instances that he described as indicative of possible fraudulent practices in the implementation of public infrastructure projects.
The first case, according to the senator, involved two projects with separate budget allocations, distinct technical descriptions, different locations, and different contractors, yet both reportedly used the same photograph as supporting documentation for billing.
“Two different projects, two distinct appropriations, two different technical descriptions and locations, two different contractors, but sharing the same photo for billing purposes. Status: both billed and collected,” Lacson wrote.
He also pointed to another project involving a slope protection structure that allegedly received two separate appropriations despite referring to the same location and technical description.
“One slope protection project, one location, one technical description, two separate budget appropriations. Status: both billed and collected,” he added.
Questioning the legitimacy of the transactions, Lacson asked whether the reported anomalies amounted to criminal offenses.
The senator’s latest disclosure adds to a series of allegations he has raised in recent weeks concerning what he described as “ghost” infrastructure projects in Taguig City. He has previously hinted at possessing additional documentary evidence to support his claims.
The projects under scrutiny are reportedly located in the political bailiwick of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
As of press time, Cayetano had yet to issue a statement on the latest allegations. Efforts to obtain his comment through his media office were still pending.
Lacson has maintained that he will continue releasing evidence as part of what he described as a broader effort to expose alleged anomalies in the use of public funds.
ia/xf
