Taguig gov’t disputes Lacson’s illegal reclamation claims

MANILA, Philippines — The Taguig City government on Saturday denied involvement in alleged illegal reclamation activities at the Taguig side of Laguna Lake, saying the property inspected by government agencies was not being possessed or used by the city.

The city government said the area shown in a video released by Sen. Panfilo Lacson involved a parcel of land claimed by several private individuals and a neighborhood association.

“Contrary to what Senator Lacson wants the public to believe, the area shown in the peddled video does not involve any land presently possessed and used by the City of Taguig,” it said in a statement.

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READ: Lacson calls out continuous ‘illegal reclamation’ in Taguig

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Taguig also said it did not issue any permit or authority to any of the alleged private owners of the property.

Lacson on Friday released a video showing an inspection of the area by the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine Reclamation Authority, Land Registration Authority, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The senator had called out what he described as continuing illegal reclamation activities along the Taguig lakeshore despite an ongoing investigation into the alleged unauthorized reclamation.

The Ombudsman has been conducting a fact-finding investigation into reclamation activities along the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake.

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Lacson has also raised concerns over land titles covering portions of Laguna Lake and questioned how reclamation activities could continue despite the ongoing investigation.

The issue has also drawn scrutiny toward Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano, whom Lacson has previously linked to the controversy.

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Cayetano, for his part, has said he supports the ongoing investigations but stressed that the process should be conducted fairly.

Taguig, meanwhile, accused Lacson of presenting a “misleading narrative” by linking the inspection footage to allegations of illegal reclamation and “impunity.”

The city urged the public to assess the allegations based on verified evidence and official records.

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“Taguig remains committed to the fight against graft and corruption—and to ensuring that this fight is pursued with fairness, integrity, and respect for the truth,” the city government said. /mr