Senator Alan Cayetano: Taguig lakeshore project built to protect Laguna Lake, benefit public

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday defended lakeshore developments on Taguig’s side of the Laguna Lake, stressing that the projects are meant for flood control, public enjoyment, and protecting the lake from land-grabbing syndicates.

Cayetano explained that the initiatives have been planned across several administrations, dating back to the late 1990s, during the time of the late former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Gregorio Vigilar.

“Ang purpose ay tulungan ang LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority) na protektahan ng lake kasi napakaraming lugar all around the lake na napuno ng informal settlers...So, sa Taguig side po makikita nyo that is all government. It is all for government purposes. It is all for the people. Hindi po totoo na yan ay privately owned,” Cayetano said.

His remarks came after Senator Panfilo Lacson posted on X that their Taguig City case study had opened a “cauldron of worms” following a meeting with Philippine Reclamation Authority officials.

Lacson alleged ghost slope protection projects and illegally reclaimed tracts of land covering Laguna Lake, vowing to coordinate with the DPWH, LLDA, and the Ombudsman to jail those behind what he called “grossly anomalous and patently illegal activities” and to forfeit reclaimed lakeshore areas in favor of the national government.

Cayetano rejected claims that the projects were anomalous, pointing out that the land is government-owned and intended for public use. He urged Lacson to engage in proper dialogue with agencies instead of making accusations online.

“Don’t shoot first then ask questions later,” Cayetano said, warning against what he described as “trigger-happy” posts on social media.

He noted that Lacson had previously vowed to fight corruption but suddenly shifted his focus to investigating Cayetano instead.

“Kailan ko po siya pinigilan na labanan niya po yung mga korap? Siya po ang biglang tumigil sa mga imbestigasyon…suddenly ako ang gusto niyang imbestigahan,” Cayetano remarked.

He also said he could accept criticism directed at him personally, but questioned why Lacson would target projects benefiting thousands of residents of Taguig.

Cayetano added that the lakeshore developments have already provided parks, flood control, and community spaces for residents, and should be seen as a model for other localities with lakes.