By Ismael Amigo
MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to scrutinize evidence related to alleged anomalies in several infrastructure projects in Taguig City, following the submission of supporting documents to the Office of the Ombudsman.
According to Lacson, the committee hearings will present five case studies detailing the alleged irregularities, allowing the public to assess the evidence.
The senator made the statement on X after former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano dismissed his accusations as “malicious.”
Lacson maintained that the committee proceedings would provide a clearer picture of the allegations.
Earlier this week, he submitted documents to the Ombudsman, saying they may serve as the basis for possible cases involving plunder, malversation, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, pending the agency’s review.
Among the alleged irregularities cited by Lacson were ghost projects, duplicate budget appropriations, recycled photographs used to document completed infrastructure works, and an alleged reclamation project that was purportedly misrepresented as slope-protection infrastructure.
He also claimed that infrastructure projects in Taguig from 2020 to 2025 amounted to approximately PHP14.4 billion, with additional projects still being recorded.
Lacson emphasized that the Ombudsman’s review would not prevent the Senate from conducting its own legislative investigation.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee, said the panel is willing to review the submitted documents and receive testimonies once its membership is formally organized.
Tulfo added that several individuals, including a former Taguig mayor, have reportedly signified their willingness to provide documents that could assist the committee’s inquiry.
He said discussions with Lacson would determine whether a formal resolution or request for an investigation would be filed before the committee.
Tulfo also alleged that some unidentified individuals had attempted to persuade the Senate majority to halt the planned investigation, though he did not disclose their identities.
elamigo/xf
