MANILA— Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has raised concerns over what he described as continued illegal reclamation activities along the Taguig side of Laguna Lake, following a multi-agency inspection of the area.

Lacson posted a video on X showing the joint on-site inspection conducted by representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Land Registration Authority (LRA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Paging DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority) — Taken this morning during a joint Ombudsman-PRA-LRA-DPWH on-site inspection at Taguig Lakeshore area… If this isn’t a total display of impunity and disrespect for the law, I don’t know what is,” he said in his post.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang illegal reclamation sa Taguig side ng Laguna Lake (Illegal reclamation on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake continues). Somebody feels he is above the law,” he added.

The 25-second video showed members of the inspection team surveying the Lakeshore area, where garbage was also seen being dumped. An inspector was heard asking whether the LLDA had personnel monitoring the site.

Lacson also said information received by his office pointed to individuals allegedly linked to the Cayetanos of Taguig in connection with the continued reclamation activities.

According to Lacson, some individuals identifying themselves as members of a cause-oriented group went to the Ombudsman’s office on Thursday to protest against the Taguig local government over the alleged illegal reclamation.

“The names they mentioned as responsible were former Assistant District Engineer of Taguig-Pateros, Lamberto de Leon, Atty. Joel Montales and a certain Arjay Castañeda, all connected to the Cayetanos of Taguig,” Lacson said.

Lacson and his office had earlier submitted evidence they had gathered on the alleged illegal reclamation and infrastructure projects on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake to the Ombudsman.

He also cited updated information from the PRA indicating that at least 13 titles cover about 170 hectares of unauthorized encroachment on the Taguig side of the lake.

Lacson said the PRA’s update showed that some of the titled areas remain underwater.

He maintained, however, that forfeiting the affected areas in favor of the national government would not be sufficient and that cases should also be filed against those responsible.

Lacson said his office would continue assisting the Ombudsman and other government agencies in investigating the matter.

He also called on Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano to address the allegations directly instead of resorting to personal attacks or involving other individuals in the dispute.

Lacson said he had yet to hear an explanation or denial from Taguig officials regarding the reported illegal reclamation activities.