Lacson On Truce Offering: Ceasefire My Foot!

Sen. Panfilo Lacson rejected on Wednesday, July 29, what he described as a proposed “ceasefire” following his allegations of anomalies in infrastructure projects in Taguig City, saying he would continue pursuing the issue before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

Lacson dismissed the supposed peace overture, likening it to someone who started a fight but sought a truce after being confronted.

“Ceasefire my foot! What kind of person declares war armed only with a toy gun and words, then quietly asks for a ceasefire after being confronted with real bombs?” Lacson said.

Lacson did not identify who allegedly sought the ceasefire but has been publicly trading accusations with Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano over alleged irregularities in Taguig infrastructure projects.

The senator earlier said he and his team had submitted documents to the Office of the Ombudsman, which he claimed contain evidence of double billing and other irregularities involving slope protection and other infrastructure projects in Taguig.

He also said he intends to present additional details during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee’s planned inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Lacson maintained that he would continue pursuing the issue despite the reported peace overture.

The latest exchange comes after Cayetano questioned the increase in Lacson’s net worth, prompting the latter to say he would defend his integrity “all the way.”

Lacson said his wealth came from legitimate business ventures during the three years he was out of the Senate, adding that integrity remains his “most valuable possession” inherited from his parents.

Cayetano denies Taguig ‘anomalies’

Cayetano on Wednesday denied allegations by Lacson of irregularities in infrastructure projects in Taguig City, insisting there were no major anomalies in the city’s public works.

In a livestream after the Senate session, Cayetano maintained that the accusations against Taguig were unfounded and urged the public to allow the proper authorities to determine the facts.

“To my knowledge, there are no major anomalies there. It is unfair to compare Taguig with what happened in Bulacan, but I believe time and the truth will vindicate us. Let us trust the process,” Cayetano said.

Without directly naming Lacson in most of his remarks, Cayetano said the nationwide scrutiny of flood control and infrastructure projects should lead to broader reforms instead of singling out one locality.

He also questioned what he described as the selective prosecution of administration critics, citing the legal troubles faced by several opposition figures, including former lawmakers and senators.

The senator likewise criticized National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag over public statements on ongoing investigations, saying law enforcement officials should verify information thoroughly before making announcements.

Despite the controversy, Cayetano said the Senate majority and minority continue to communicate on legislative priorities. “We are trying to build bridges because we cannot pass important measures without cooperation and unity,” he said.

Lacson alleged that Taguig infrastructure projects involved double billing and other irregularities and has said the evidence could support graft-related charges. Cayetano has repeatedly denied the allegations and challenged his critics to present specific evidence before the proper forum.