Taguig reclamation: PHP 3.7B in public funds linked to illegal projects

Senator Panfilo Lacson has reported that at least PHP 3.713 billion in public funds were spent on government projects located within allegedly illegal reclamation areas along the Laguna Lake shoreline in Taguig City. These expenditures cover completed, ongoing, and suspended flood control and multipurpose projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Of the total amount, PHP 2.372 billion is attributed to five specific contractors: Dahl Construction (PHP 858.22 million), J.C. Uyecio (PHP 483.1 million), Toughbuilt (PHP 434.2 million), Topnotch (PHP 329.9 million), and GR Fervidal (PHP 266.6 million). Lacson noted that all five of GR Fervidal’s multipurpose building projects are currently suspended pending a soil re-investigation.

Lacson further alleged that these figures do not include additional anomalous projects along the Taguig River, which he claims involve double appropriations and “ghost” projects using recycled photographs for billing. The findings are expected to be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman. This follows recent cease-and-desist orders issued by the DPWH against reclamation projects in the area following directives from the Office of the President and the Philippine Reclamation Authority.