By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Malacañang expressed confidence on Wednesday that Sen. Panfilo Lacson would continue his investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood control projects in Taguig City, dismissing concerns that efforts to improve his relationship with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano could affect the inquiry.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Lacson’s commitment to pursuing the investigation would not be compromised by any reconciliation among senators.
Castro made the statement after reports emerged that members of the Senate recently held a caucus aimed at easing tensions between Lacson and Cayetano, whose public exchanges in recent weeks stemmed from differences over Senate leadership and other issues.
Some sectors had raised concerns that a possible reconciliation between the two lawmakers might weaken or derail the investigation into the questioned flood control projects in Taguig, the political stronghold of the Cayetano family. Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano is the senator’s wife.
“I believe that, based on Senator Lacson’s character, he will not compromise his investigation simply to improve personal relations,” Castro said.
She added that better working relations among senators should not be interpreted as an indication that official inquiries would be abandoned.
“Their working relationship may improve if they reconcile, but we believe the investigation will continue,” Castro said, noting that Lacson has consistently pursued issues whenever evidence warrants further examination.
Unlike a formal Senate inquiry, Lacson earlier conducted his own investigation into the reported flood control anomalies. Cayetano, for his part, has publicly said he welcomes any investigation into the projects.
The Palace maintained that any probe should proceed based on evidence and in accordance with the law, expressing confidence that the senator would continue his inquiry should sufficient facts support further action.
ia/xf
