MANILA, Philippines ─ Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday accused Sen. Panfilo Lacson of conducting a "demolition job, witch hunt and trial by publicity" against him over the latter’s investigation into allegations involving ghost and anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig City.
In a Facebook livestream, Cayetano said it was unfair to associate Taguig with allegations of irregularities, particularly concerning flood control projects.
The senator highlighted what he described as the city’s significant progress in addressing flooding.
He said only one or two areas in Taguig continue to experience flash floods, which he attributed to engineering problems involving developers.
"Yes, I am openly saying that Senator Panfilo Lacson is carrying out a demolition job, a trial by publicity, and a witch hunt in Taguig City. I have no problem being accused. I am a public official," Cayetano said.
"But he is linking all the projects to Taguig and to me, all the titles there. It’s not only unfair, but it’s just plain wrong. If he can’t convince people, he will try to confuse people," he added.
Cayetano said that he is not upset with Lacson, urging his supporters to instead "hate the sin, but love the sinner."
He then promised to “give clarity” to Lacson’s reports against the Taguig projects.
In response, Lacson said that all evidence gathered by his office concerning projects in Taguig 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.
