Ping: Alan dodging Taguig issue

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday accused Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano of trying to shift attention away from allegations of irregular infrastructure projects in Taguig City after Cayetano suggested that Lacson himself should be investigated.

In a post on X, Lacson pushed back against Cayetano’s remarks made in a social media broadcast, where the former Senate president questioned Lacson’s motives and claimed the senator was able to pursue investigations because he enjoyed the support of those currently in power.

“Lacson dismissed Cayetano’s insinuation that he conducts investigations because he is allied with those in power, saying his agenda is — and has always been — to expose corruption and to hold public officials accountable,” the former law enforcer said in a statement.

Cayetano on Tuesday said Lacson’s investigations were made possible because he was aligned with those currently in power. Lacson rejected the claim, saying he had consistently pursued corruption issues regardless of the administration involved.

“It is Lacson that should be investigated. That time will come. He dares anyone to investigate him because everyone is on his side,” Cayetano said in a social media broadcast in English and Filipino.

On July 28, Lacson said he had submitted documentary and testimonial evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman for possible investigation, claiming the records would support complaints for plunder, malversation, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Cayetano.

Lacson alleged that investigators uncovered supposed “ghost projects,” double appropriations, recycled project photos used to support billings, and reclamation activities allegedly disguised as slope protection works. He said the projects were part of approximately P14.4 billion in infrastructure spending in Taguig from 2020 to 2025.

Cayetano has repeatedly denied the accusations, insisting there were no ghost projects in Taguig and that previous reviews by government agencies found no anomalies. He has challenged Lacson to present evidence and argued that any investigation should cover all local governments, not just Taguig.

Responding to the accusation that he was using his office to go after his political adversaries, Lacson said his record in public service showed otherwise.

He maintained that he had pursued corruption allegations regardless of who was in Malacañang, citing his years in law enforcement and the Senate when he publicly challenged powerful figures and exposed illegal activities despite political pressure.