Ping Lacson calls for multiagency probe of Taguig reclamation

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, Oct. 3, called for a multi-agency investigation into what he described as continuing illegal reclamation activities on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake.

Lacson said concerned government agencies should work together to determine who was behind the alleged dumping of garbage and filling of materials in the lakeshore area.

READ: Ping Lacson: Taguig ‘illegal reclamation’ continues

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He earlier posted a 25-second video of a joint government inspection in the area, which he described as a “total display of impunity and disrespect for the law.”

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“Ako ang nag-suggest noon nang nagkaroon ng conference sa office ko. Masama ba yan? Ako ang nag-consolidate, mag tulong-tulong tayo to get to the bottom of this issue. Pagka laki-laki ng area na natabunan ng basura at filling materials ang Laguna Lake sa Taguig side, ito ang Lakeshore, 170 hectares,” he said during an interview with DWIZ 882.

(“I suggested the composite approach during a conference at my Senate office. Is there a problem with it? We should consolidate our efforts because a huge area of Laguna Lake has been filled with garbage from the Taguig side, or Lakeshore, and it involves 170 hectares.”)

Lacson said that agencies, including the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Office of the Ombudsman, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), should coordinate to investigate the matter.

“Pag reclamation, PRA. Pag Laguna Lake, LLDA and DENR kasi kung basura tinatambak mo concern ng DENR yan. Pag infrastructure projects, DPWH. Pag kaso, Ombudsman. Kaya composite ‘yan,” he explained.

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(The reclamation aspect is addressed by the PRA. Concerns on Laguna Lake are addressed by the LLDA. The DENR is involved because the reclamation involves the dumping of garbage. The Ombudsman is concerned with pursuing the appropriate cases, so it must be a composite team.)

Lacson said he would continue gathering evidence on the issue despite what he described as insinuations from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

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“Hindi ko papatulan pero ang paghanap ng ebidensya, tuloy-tuloy ang pagkalap ng ebidensya,” he said.

(I will not dignify him, but I will continue to gather evidence),” he said, referring to Cayetano./ja