NBI orders probe of alleged ghost flood projects in Taguig

An investigation was launched by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into alleged ghost flood control projects in Taguig City.

According to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, in 2022, Senator Alan Cayetano had 11 projects in Taguig City that were allegedly linked to 15 contractors involved in flood control deals worth around P100 billion.

"In fact we are already investigating because in 2022 he has 11 projects in the city, somehow related to the 15 contrators, we are investigating it,” said Matibag.

The NBI chief acknowledged that questions may be raised regarding the timing of the investigation but said the matter had already been brought up earlier by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Lacson previously raised allegations against Cayetano after the latter accused him of having doubled his net worth based on his 2025 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Cayetano denied the existence of ghost flood control projects in Taguig City and challenged Lacson to investigate other cities as well, and not single out Taguig in the probe.

The senator on Sunday escalated his tirades against Lacson, accusing the former police chief of protecting a political “amo” and claiming that Lacson’s recent attacks against fellow senators were driven by loyalty to that patron rather than the pursuit of truth.

Cayetano, in a Facebook Live broadcast, dismissed Lacson’s criticism and alleged that the senator has a pattern of going after political rivals.

“That’s how he melts down, by trying to destroy his enemies, ikulong,” Cayetano said.

He claimed that Lacson had previously targeted several senators, including Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senator Joel Villanueva, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, and Senator Erwin Tulfo.

On the other hand, the NBI may summon Sen. Cayetano as part of its ongoing probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Matibag said on Monday.

Matibag said the senator could be invited to appear before investigators if his name emerges in testimonies from witnesses participating in the inquiry.

He further stated that several individuals have already expressed willingness to serve as witnesses, as the bureau continues to gather evidence on the organization and management of the games.

Matibag said there is a need to clarify why Cayetano’s name did not appear in corporate records as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), despite his public role during the event.

Cayetano was designated as interim chairman of PHISGOC by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

But Matibag noted that the senator was not listed as a member of the organization’s board of directors, raising legal questions about his authority.

He described Cayetano’s reported actions as potentially “ultra vires,” or beyond the scope of his authority, if he acted as chairman without being formally part of the board.

“Firstly, how can you be chairman when you identify yourself as chairman but your not a member of the board,” Matibag said, adding, “If you acted as chairman na hindi ka chairman, that is an ultra vires act.”

He said corporate decisions should be backed by board resolutions, which investigators are now seeking to verify.

The NBI also plans to question Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who is listed in official Securities and Exchange Commission records as the PHISGOC chairman in 2019, to explain why he did not perform the functions of the position during the games.

Aside from Suzara, the NBI also said it will summon PHISGOC Chief Financial Officer Dexter Estacio and PHISGOC Corporate Secretary John Lester Buenconsejo.

The investigation is part of a broader probe into the handling of funds and the organizational structure of the 2019 SEA Games, which the country hosted.