Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday accused Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson of conducting a “demolition job, witch hunt and trial by publicity” against him over Lacson’s investigation into alleged “ghost“ and anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig City.
In a Facebook livestream, Cayetano questioned Lacson for allegedly linking him and the city to infrastructure projects being scrutinized for possible irregularities.
Lacson has been investigating several infrastructure projects in Taguig amid allegations of ghost and anomalous projects. He has also claimed that Cayetano funded “ghost” deals.
Cayetano said it was unfair to associate him with all infrastructure projects in Taguig, particularly as the city has undergone significant development over the years.
“Tahasang ko pong sinasabi na si Senator Panfilo Lacson ay gumagawa ng isang demolition job, ng isang trial by publicity, at isa pong witch hunt sa siyudad ng Taguig,” Cayetano said.
“Wala pong problema na ako [ang] akusahan niya, public official po ako. Pero po i-link niya sa Taguig at sa akin lahat ng projects, lahat na po ng titulo doon — it's not only po unfair, but simple lang eh. If he cannot convince people, he will try to confuse people,” he added.
Despite his accusations, Cayetano said he harbored no ill will toward Lacson and would address the allegations individually through the proper forum.
“We will hate the sin but love the sinner. So wala pong galit, wala pong hate akong tinatapon kay Senator Lacson,” he said.
Cayetano said he would “give clarity rather than confusion” in addressing Lacson’s allegations.
Cayetano also pointed to various development projects in Taguig, including parks, public spaces, and flood-control infrastructure, which he said had been developed over the past 10 to 15 years.
“Iisa-isahin natin yan sa tamang venue. Pero yun po, tuloy namin inaanyayahan kayong lahat. Tignan niyo po ang napakagandang mga parks, mga public areas na nagawa kaugnay ng flood control program noong 1999, 2000, 2001 na nagumpisa at lalo pong gumanda itong last 10 to 15 years,” he said.
For his part, Lacson said the evidence gathered by his team regarding the questioned projects had already been submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
“All the pieces of evidence that we have so far gathered are already with the Ombudsman. We will continue our efforts without let up and support the Ombudsman in this regard,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.
