Ping Lacson: Taguig ‘illegal reclamation’ continues

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Friday called out what he described as the continued “illegal reclamation” on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake, as he shared a video during a joint government inspection of the area.

The inspection team in the 25-second video included members of the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine Reclamation Authority, Land Registration Authority, and Department of Public Works and Highways. Lacson also called the attention of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Laguna Lake Development Authority to what he called the “total display of impunity and disrespect for the law.”

Lacson also said his office was informed that a cause-oriented group went to the Office of the Ombudsman, protesting the Taguig government for the illegal reclamation in the lakeshore area.

READ: Taguig defends response, says 911 gave incomplete address

“The names they mentioned as responsible were former Assistant District Engineer of Taguig-Pateros, Lamberto de Leon, Atty. Joel Montales and a certain Arjay Castañeda, all connected to the Cayetanos of Taguig,” Lacson said, adding he has yet to hear an explanation, much less a denial, from Taguig officials.

The Inquirer also sought Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s comment but has yet to receive a response. —KEITH CLORES