Senator Alan Cayetano accuses LLDA of ‘selective’ probe into Taguig reclamation project

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday accused the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) of "selective" enforcement and political persecution after the agency inspected alleged illegal reclamation projects along the Taguig side of Laguna Lake.

Cayetano raised the issue during the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) budget deliberations, pivoting the discussion from the government’s El Niño response to the LLDA’s joint site inspection with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

Addressing LLDA Acting General Manager Leopoldo Parumog, Cayetano questioned the agency's inspection of a lakeshore park in Taguig and alleged that local personnel were subjected to harassment.

Parumog denied the allegations and clarified that he had never met Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who previously called out the Cayetano siblings over the Taguig reclamation activities.

Cayetano emphasized that government institutions must maintain strict political neutrality, even as he acknowledged Lacson’s right to speak out.

“I don't mind Senator Lacson—that's his privilege. That's what he thinks. Senator Lacson is not covered by the law requiring political neutrality. But the PRA, the DENR, all of you are covered,” Cayetano stressed.

Parumog firmly rejected claims that the agency was targeting the city for political reasons.

“Wala pong political. Walang pinipili. Lahat po aaksyonan (There is no politics here. We do not pick sides. We act on everything),” Parumog replied.

Senator Pia Cayetano backed her brother, warning state agencies against becoming tools for political harassment.

“When we allow government agencies to be weaponized against certain people in government, private individuals, or LGUs, we should all take responsibility,” she said. “It breaks down our systems to the point that it may be irreparable. Do not allow your offices to be weaponized.” -Paraluman News