By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is prepared to pull the plug on ongoing projects in Taguig City allegedly tied to unauthorized reclamation, with Secretary Vince Dizon committing to issue cease-and-desist orders once formally asked by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Dizon made the commitment during a meeting Thursday, as questions continue to mount over reclamation activities reportedly covering at least 85 hectares.
Lacson said the DPWH chief assured him that the orders would be issued immediately upon receipt of the PRA’s official request.
The senator said stopping the projects is crucial to prevent further government funds from being released to contractors working on activities that may not have the necessary authority.
“This will prevent the worsening of the situation where government money is wasted on contractors who are doing the wrong thing,” Lacson said.
The issue has become part of Lacson’s broader investigation into alleged irregularities involving projects in Taguig, including his previous allegations concerning so-called ghost projects.
The probe has also fueled a political clash between Lacson and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who has rejected the allegations against projects in the city.
Cayetano maintained that the accusations can be answered and insisted that, based on his knowledge, there were no ghost projects in Taguig.
“Let me assure you na lahat ng allegations na binabato sa amin ay masasagot,” Cayetano said.
Lacson also took a hard line on reclamation activities carried out without the required permits.
He said all unpermitted reclaimed areas are subject to forfeiture, regardless of whether they are connected to the local government or private individuals and entities.
More importantly, Lacson argued that the absence of the necessary permits cannot simply be corrected after reclamation has already begun.
He said reclamation undertaken without the required authority is “void ab initio” — legally defective from the outset.
Lacson said his staff has already submitted evidence concerning the alleged ghost projects to the Office of the Ombudsman.
He expressed confidence in the material, describing the evidence as “glaring.”
The controversy now awaits a formal move from the PRA.
Once the request reaches the DPWH, Dizon has reportedly committed to ordering the immediate halt of the questioned projects — putting contractors involved in the alleged unauthorized reclamation activities on notice.
ia/xf
