Senator Alan Peter Cayetano responded to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s remarks about Taguig’s flood situation, saying the senator would not be “drowned” by floodwaters but by the truth amid their continuing dispute over alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects.

In a Facebook livestream, Cayetano addressed Lacson’s comment after he invited the senator to personally inspect flood control projects in Taguig. Lacson earlier declined the invitation, joking that he had not practiced swimming and might “drown” if he visited the city while flood concerns remain unresolved.

“Senator Lacson, hindi ka malulunod sa Taguig, malulunod ka sa katotohanan. 'Yan ha, kapag puro ka sinungalingan, ang nakakalunod yung katotohanan,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said he has been receiving messages from people questioning Lacson’s motives, claiming that he has been repeatedly singled out in connection with alleged ghost flood control projects in Taguig. Lacson has accused some infrastructure projects in the city of having irregularities, including alleged ghost projects and questionable implementation.

“Ang dami nagte-text sa akin at tinatanong kung ano ang motibo… kasi sabi niya I crossed the line, kaya araw-araw ako na lang at exclusive ako ang binabanatan,” Cayetano said.

The senator urged the public to allow proper investigations to proceed and avoid distractions, citing ongoing national concerns such as the impeachment trial, high electricity costs, and rising prices.

Cayetano also defended Taguig’s flood control efforts, saying the city has historically experienced severe flooding but has undergone major infrastructure developments over the years.

“Yung 30-40 years ago na mga baha na two months, three months hanggang waist, hanggang dibdib, lumaki ako sa Taguig po na ganyan ang nararanasan,” he said.

He credited past administrations and local leaders for flood mitigation projects, including the construction and expansion of the road dike system.

“Hindi ka malulunod sa baha dito. I mean, barring 10 days of rain or an extraordinary rainfall na may mabara. Kasi kahit papaano, compared to the other Metro Manila cities, flash flood or certain areas na lang po,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano maintained his invitation for Lacson and other critics to visit Taguig and personally inspect the projects being questioned, saying the discussion should focus on evidence and actual accomplishments.

“Eto yung pondo, eto yung project. Apples to apples talaga,” he said.

The exchange between the two senators comes amid Lacson’s continued investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control and infrastructure projects in Taguig, where he has submitted documents and testimonial evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“As he does his worst, we will do our best. As he spreads lies, we will spread truth,” Cayetano said.