By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has formally endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman the documentary and testimonial evidence gathered during his investigation into alleged irregularities involving billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects in Taguig City.
The move, announced Tuesday, marks a significant escalation of Lacson’s probe, which seeks an independent investigation into possible violations of anti-corruption laws.
In a statement, Lacson said his office transmitted official government records obtained from public websites, along with documents and testimonies provided by confidential sources, to assist the Ombudsman in conducting a motu proprio investigation.
“We turned over all the documentary and testimonial evidence we have gathered so far for the Ombudsman’s further evaluation and investigation,” Lacson said.
The senator said the evidence may support cases involving alleged plunder, malversation of public funds, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other possible offenses.
Lacson’s inquiry has focused on infrastructure projects implemented in Taguig between 2020 and 2025, which he said amounted to at least P14.4 billion.
He alleged that investigators uncovered a pattern of questionable transactions, including supposed ghost projects, double appropriations, recycled photographs from previously completed contracts that were allegedly reused for new billings, and the alleged presentation of an illegal reclamation project as slope protection works.
According to Lacson, the irregularities date back to 2019 and were allegedly directed by a single individual, whom he did not identify.
The investigation has unfolded amid a public dispute between Lacson and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, whose political base is Taguig.
Earlier, Lacson disclosed that his team had identified three alleged intermediaries or “bagmen” believed to have played roles in the questioned transactions, as well as what he described as evidence of duplicate appropriations.
He expressed hope that the findings compiled by his staff would strengthen the Ombudsman’s own investigation and help speed up the resolution of the case.
Lacson also said his office would continue gathering additional evidence and submit any new information to the anti-graft body as the inquiry progresses.
Cayetano has yet to issue a statement on Lacson’s latest disclosure. He has consistently denied allegations that Taguig’s infrastructure program included ghost projects, maintaining that the city’s public works were carried out in accordance with the law.
ia/xf
