Taguig city: At least PHP3.713 billion in public funds have been allocated to completed, ongoing, and suspended government projects along portions of the Laguna Lake shoreline in Taguig City. These projects are now under government scrutiny due to allegations of illegal reclamation, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson revealed that this amount, based on official records and his team's investigation, was used for flood control and multipurpose projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He stated, "Based on official records and our investigation, the total cost of identified completed, ongoing (and suspended) DPWH Flood Control and Multi-Purpose Projects along the 'illegal' Laguna Lakeshore Reclamation Areas in Taguig City has so far reached PHP3.713 billion," in a post on X.
Lacson noted that this PHP3.713 billion does not include other allegedly anomalous slope protection and flood mitigation projects along the Taguig River. He claimed these involved double appropriations and 'ghost' projects, which used recycled photographs of supposedly completed projects for billing. Lacson mentioned that his team would submit the latest findings as evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman's fact-finding team for proper disposition.
Out of the identified amount, PHP2.372 billion was linked to projects undertaken by five contractors. Dahl Construction accounted for PHP858.22 million, covering five solo projects worth PHP571.5 million and four joint ventures totaling PHP286.7 million. J.C. Uyecio participated in four joint ventures totaling PHP483.1 million, followed by Toughbuilt with three projects worth PHP434.2 million; Topnotch with three joint ventures totaling PHP329.9 million; and GR Fervidal with five multipurpose building projects worth PHP266.6 million. Lacson added that all five GR Fervidal projects were suspended due to a 'revision of plans' involving soil re-investigation.
The disclosure occurred following the DPWH's issuance of cease-and-desist orders for government projects linked to the questioned reclamation activities. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon assured Lacson that the department would halt the projects upon receiving the appropriate request from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). Dizon confirmed that cease-and-desist orders had been issued following a directive from the Office of the President, coursed through the PRA.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano expressed that the government could benefit if Lacson's allegations concerning the questioned titles are confirmed. Cayetano cited a 181,077-square-meter, or roughly 18-hectare, property that Lacson claimed had a title originating from a homestead patent. "There was a report in the newspaper yesterday saying that 181,000 square meters or 18 hectares were 'illegally titled.' In a way, we are also hoping that is true. Because if it is indeed illegal, it will go to the government, and then we will have 18 hectares for the government," Cayetano said.
Cayetano also supported the examination of land titles in the area, mentioning that Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano had long desired such scrutiny. "Just like now that they want to examine all the titles, Lani has wanted that for a long time," Cayetano added.
