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Cayetano to Lacson: No ghost projects in Taguig; don’t single us out
PH🏛️ PoliticsCenter13 days ago

Cayetano to Lacson: No ghost projects in Taguig; don’t single us out

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano denied allegations by Senator Panfilo Lacson that there were 'ghost' flood control projects in Taguig City. Cayetano claimed that both the Office of the Ombudsman and his own office reviewed the city's projects and found no such issues. He challenged Lacson to investigate other highly urbanized cities instead of singling out Taguig, citing their ongoing feud. Lacson had previously accused Cayetano of being 'locked up' in Quezon City jail due to alleged corruption, to which Cayetano responded by accusing Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo of significantly increasing their net worth. The dispute escalated further as Lacson alleged that Cayetano had inserted P6.79 billion into the 2025 national budget, a claim Cayetano denied.

A Senate panel is preparing to review findings by Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson regarding alleged "ghost" infrastructure projects in Taguig City, according to Sen. Erwin Tulfo, the chair of the blue ribbon committee. Tulfo confirmed that the panel would assess Lacson's findings to determine which allegations, witnesses, and projects require further inquiry. The review comes amid growing scrutiny of public works spending in Taguig, a city overseen by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano. Lacson recently raised concerns about potential double funding for slope protection projects in Taguig, citing discrepancies in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. On social media, he noted that two P100-million allocations appeared to cover the same project, suggesting that one might be a "ghost" project. His team has reportedly compiled at least two case studies involving suspected ghost projects in the city. These allegations follow broader claims that Cayetano inserted P6.79 billion in projects under the 2025 national budget, with only P75 million remaining unspent. Cayetano has denied the existence of ghost projects in Taguig, asserting that both the Office of the Ombudsman and his own office had reviewed the city's projects and found nothing improper. He challenged Lacson to investigate other highly urbanized cities such as Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Parañaque rather than focusing solely on Taguig. Cayetano suggested that Lacson's focus on his bailiwick stemmed from personal animosity, asking how the situation arose where someone would seek to imprison another simply because of dislike. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has begun examining the alleged ghost projects in Taguig, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag. This follows Lacson's claim that he had informants and witnesses ready to provide evidence against Cayetano. Matibag indicated that the NBI had already initiated an investigation into 11 projects in Taguig dating back to 2022, though he acknowledged that the timing of the probe was coincidental given the current political climate. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has pledged to verify Lacson's allegations, stating he would instruct a DPWH district engineer to check the validity of the claims. However, Cayetano expressed concern that Dizon might face pressure to alter his findings, recalling that Dizon had previously assured him there were no ghost projects in Taguig. Lacson has also drawn attention to a Taguig City engineer allegedly using two aliases in casinos, accumulating nearly P500 million in winnings and losses. Although he has not yet disclosed the engineer's identity or presented evidence, Lacson has committed to pursuing the investigation to its conclusion. Meanwhile, former Taguig Congressman Lino Cayetano, brother of Alan and Pia Cayetano, has offered to assist in the investigation, claiming knowledge of multiple ghost projects in the city. The controversy has intensified the feud between Lacson and Cayetano, with the latter accusing Lacson of attempting to undermine him politically. Cayetano also took issue with reports that Lacson and Sen. Erwin Tulfo had significantly increased their net worth, denying any wrongdoing and challenging Lacson to substantiate his claims. Malacañang has dismissed Cayetano's assertion that President Ferdinand Marcos rejected a proposed P10,000 cash assistance program, calling the claim baseless and politically motivated. As the Senate panel prepares to review Lacson's findings, the situation remains fluid, with multiple investigations underway and key figures involved in the dispute continuing to exchange sharp criticisms. The outcome of these inquiries could have significant implications for the accountability of public funds in Taguig and beyond.

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7 reports

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 8513 days ago
Senate panel to review Lacson’s findings on Taguig ‘ghost’ projects

A Senate panel led by Senator Erwin Tulfo plans to review findings from Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson regarding alleged 'ghost' infrastructure projects in Taguig City. These projects involve suspiciously duplicated funding allocations, including potential double appropriations for a single slope protection project. Lacson has raised concerns about these issues, which fall within the political jurisdiction of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano. Cayetano has denied the existence of such projects and challenged Lacson to provide evidence. The National Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry based on Lacson's claims.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights investigations into alleged corruption and misuse of public funds, focusing on actions taken by a senator against another prominent figure in the political landscape. The framing emphasizes scrutiny of public spending and accountability, aligning with progressive values of cur

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports that the Senate blue ribbon committee may examine Lacson's findings and quotes Tulfo's statements. It aligns well with the primary source regarding the potential for an inquiry into alleged corruption.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a balanced perspective, quoting both Lacson and Tulfo without showing preference for either side in the unfolding situation.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 89Objective 7517 days ago
Cayetano to Lacson: No ghost projects in Taguig; don’t single us out

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano denied allegations by Senator Panfilo Lacson that there were 'ghost' flood control projects in Taguig City. Cayetano claimed that both the Office of the Ombudsman and his own office reviewed the city's projects and found no such issues. He challenged Lacson to investigate other highly urbanized cities instead of singling out Taguig, citing their ongoing feud. Lacson had previously accused Cayetano of being 'locked up' in Quezon City jail due to alleged corruption, to which Cayetano responded by accusing Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo of significantly increasing their net worth. The dispute escalated further as Lacson alleged that Cayetano had inserted P6.79 billion into the 2025 national budget, a claim Cayetano denied.

Bias read (Center): While the article covers a politically charged debate between two senators, it presents both perspectives without clear editorial favoritism. Cayetano defends himself against accusations of corruption and challenges Lacson's focus on Taguig, while Lacson accuses Cayetano of financial misconduct. The

Why factuality (89): The article accurately reports Cayetano's denial of the existence of ghost projects in Taguig and his challenge to Lacson to investigate other cities. It includes direct quotes and references to prior investigations, maintaining alignment with the cross-source consensus on the ongoing debate.

Why objectivity (75): The article presents Cayetano's arguments clearly but frames them in a way that challenges Lacson's motives, implying a personal vendetta. This subtle framing may influence the reader's understanding of the conflict.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressiveFactual 88Objective 7517 days ago
NBI probes ‘ghost’ flood control projects in Cayetano bailiwick Taguig

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating alleged 'ghost' flood control projects in Taguig City, which is under the influence of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. This follows claims by Senator Panfilo Lacson that these projects involved fraudulent activities. NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the investigation, stating that 11 projects in 2022 were linked to top contractors. Cayetano has denied the allegations, accusing the NBI of focusing on unrelated issues like the 2019 SEA Games infrastructure, which he oversaw. He also criticized the timing of the investigation, noting that Matibag is set to testify in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the investigation as a political move targeting Cayetano, highlighting his denial and criticism of the NBI's focus. It emphasizes Lacson's accusations and Cayetano's defense, suggesting a left-leaning perspective by portraying the investigation as politically motivated rather than

Why factuality (88): The article provides detailed information about the NBI's investigation into the 'ghost' projects in Taguig, including quotes from NBI Director Melvin Matibag. It references previous statements by Cayetano and connects the investigation to Lacson's claims. The reporting aligns with the cross-source

Why objectivity (75): While the article remains largely neutral, it emphasizes the seriousness of the investigation and the political implications, which could be seen as slightly biased. The focus on the NBI's actions and the potential consequences for Cayetano suggests a slight lean towards the investigative angle.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentConservativeFactual 87Objective 7018 days ago
Lacson says Cayetano belongs in QC jail for alleged corruption

Senator Panfilo Lacson responded to claims by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano that Lacson's net worth had more than doubled, denying the allegations and asserting that his wealth comes from legitimate real estate and business ventures. Lacson accused Cayetano of corruption, citing alleged budget insertions totaling P6.79 billion in the 2025 national budget and suggesting there were ghost projects in Taguig City, which is Cayetano's district. Lacson stated he was gathering evidence to hold Cayetano accountable and mentioned past false accusations against him that were later retracted. The article notes that Cayetano has not yet commented on Lacson's remarks.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Senator Lacson's accusations against Senator Cayetano using strong language such as 'belongs in the Quezon City jail' and emphasizes Lacson's defense of his integrity while making specific allegations against Cayetano. The framing suggests a clear stance supporting Lacson's side

Why factuality (87): The article accurately captures Lacson's rebuttal to Cayetano's claims, including the specific figures regarding budget insertions and the status of the Taguig projects. It includes direct quotes and maintains consistency with the cross-source narrative of the ongoing controversy.

Why objectivity (70): The article frames the dispute in a way that emphasizes Lacson's integrity and Cayetano's alleged misconduct. While the facts are reported accurately, the tone subtly supports Lacson's position, which may affect the perceived neutrality of the piece.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentConservativeFactual 86Objective 7217 days ago
Lacson to Cayetano: You belong in prison

Senator Panfilo Lacson accused Senator Alan Peter Cayetano of corruption and suggested he belongs in prison, responding to Cayetano's allegations against him. Lacson claimed that his wealth has grown significantly since leaving office, attributing it to legitimate real estate investments and business ventures. He criticized Cayetano for inserting P6.79 billion into the 2025 national budget and alleged the presence of 'ghost' projects in Taguig City, which Cayetano denied, citing the Office of the Ombudsman. Cayetano countered by challenging Lacson to examine other cities beyond Taguig and questioned why Lacson would make such claims unless he was personally affected by their feud.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents a direct exchange between two senators, with Lacson using strong rhetoric suggesting Cayetano belongs in prison, which frames the situation as a personal attack rather than a balanced discussion of policy or governance. The emphasis on Lacson's financial growth and accusations,

Why factuality (86): The article accurately reflects Lacson's response to Cayetano's allegations, including his denial of the net worth doubling claim and his assertion that Cayetano belongs in jail for corruption. It includes direct quotes and contextualizes the dispute within the larger political landscape. The facts

Why objectivity (72): The language used by Lacson is strong and emotionally charged, suggesting a clear stance against Cayetano. While the article reports the content of his statements objectively, the overall tone supports Lacson's position, which may influence the reader's interpretation.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7517 days ago
Lino Cayetano may testify on Taguig ‘ghost projects’ – Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson announced that former Taguig Congressman Lino Cayetano, who is now the general manager of PTV4, may testify about alleged 'ghost projects' in Taguig City. These projects reportedly involved companies linked to the Discaya family during Alan Cayetano's tenure as House Speaker. Lacson stated that his office is investigating these matters and emphasized that he would not fabricate evidence. In response, Senator Alan Cayetano questioned why Taguig was under scrutiny while other areas in Metro Manila faced flooding issues. He noted that Lacson had previously been seen in photographs with the Discayas, suggesting potential bias in the investigation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the situation without overtly favoring one perspective. It reports on Lacson's claim that Cayetano might testify about alleged ghost projects and includes Alan Cayetano's rebuttal questioning the focus on Taguig. The language remains neutral, avoiding loaded terms,

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the Senate blue ribbon committee's intention to review Lacson's findings and includes specific details about the double appropriation in Taguig. This aligns well with the primary source.

Why objectivity (75): The article remains largely neutral, focusing on procedural steps and statements from both Lacson and Tulfo. It avoids taking sides and presents the information in a balanced manner.

GMA News Online logoGMA News OnlineIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 8015 days ago
Lacson: At least 2 case studies so far for Taguig 'ghost projects'

The article reports that Senator Panfilo Lacson has mentioned at least two case studies related to 'ghost projects' in Taguig. These projects are described as initiatives that were allegedly started but not completed, potentially involving misuse of public funds. The statement was made during a discussion on issues affecting local governance and transparency.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of 'ghost projects' as a matter of accountability and corruption, which aligns with progressive concerns about government transparency. While the article does not explicitly take a partisan stance, the focus on holding officials accountable and the implication of misused

Why factuality (80): The article states Lacson has identified at least two case studies but lacks specific details about what these case studies involve. This makes it less detailed compared to the primary source, which provides more context about the nature of the alleged anomalies.

Why objectivity (80): The article remains neutral in tone, simply stating facts without apparent bias towards either Lacson or Cayetano.

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