Malacañang: Possible Lacson-Cayetano truce will not affect infrastructure probe

Malacañang on Tuesday expressed confidence that any reconciliation between Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alan Peter Cayetano would not affect the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects in Taguig City.

The assurance came after Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Erwin Tulfo disclosed that possible mediation between the two senators were discussed during a recent caucus of the Senate majority bloc.

Lacson has been leading an inquiry into alleged anomalies involving infrastructure projects in Taguig, Cayetano's bailiwick.

“Pero naniniwala tayo na sa pagkatao po ni Senator Lacson hindi po siya makikipag-compromise para lang mawala ang kaniyang pag-iimbestiga,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing.

“So, naniniwala tayo na tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang mga issue na dapat na imbestigahan, kung may mga ebidensiya, alam po din natin na ito ay kaniyang ipagpapatuloy,” she added.

Castro said it would still be beneficial if public officials were able to settle their differences, stressing that disagreements need not lead to strained relationships.

“Mas maganda naman po talaga na ang bawat tao, hindi lang po public servants, lahat po sana ay nagkakasundo. May mga pagkakataon na magkakaiba nga ang opinyon pero hindi kinakailangan talaga na umabot sa hindi magandang relasyon,” the Palace official said.

Despite the Palace's openness to a possible reconciliation, Lacson has already rejected the idea of mending ties with Cayetano.

Earlier, Lacson's office submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman documentary and testimonial evidence gathered during its investigation into infrastructure projects in Taguig.

The evidence allegedly includes ghost projects, double appropriations, and the use of recycled photographs from previously completed projects to support billing and collection for new contracts.

Cayetano has denied the allegations, dismissing Lacson's accusations as "general" and "sweeping."