Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday, September 1, continued to defend Taguig Lakeshore’s continued public use amid claims by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson that billions in government funds were wasted on flood control and infrastructure projects in the area.

In a social media post on National Heroes Day, Cayetano insisted that under the management of Taguig City government, Lakeshore had not been neglected or wasted under pointing to its use for health, education, leisure, businesses, and other public functions.

“Hindi po sinayang at hindi sinasayang ang Lakeshore (Lakeshore was not neglected or wasted). Let’s not let politics rob this generation and future generations of the opportunity to reap its benefits,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano made the post after Lacson said P3.713-billion in completed, ongoing, and suspended DPWH projects within alleged reclamation areas in Taguig, may have been wasted. 

Earlier, Lacson also alleged other irregularities and said the findings would be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Cayetano warned that this kind of partisan politics could derail efforts to address corruption and flood control, stressing the need for evidence-based investigations that lead to accountability.

“The honest search for solutions is overshadowed by partisan politics. Corruption and flood control are perfect examples,” he said.

The senator challenged Lacson that if there is any evidence against him, or the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or the Taguig City government, he should present it.

“If there is evidence against DPWH, Taguig, or against me, then present it. Stop the theatrics and let the evidence do the talking set in the proper judicial venue where fairness is assured,” he challenged Lacson.

The lawmaker said the focus should remain on solving problems and ensuring that public funds and government efforts are directed toward projects and reforms that benefit Filipinos.

“Every hour the government spends on political warfare instead of solving problems is wasted. Every peso spent on projects that do not serve the people is wasted. Every opportunity to reform a broken system sacrificed for personal or partisan advantage is wasted,” he said.