MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, Oct. 3, called for a multi-agency investigation into alleged continuing reclamation activities and the dumping of garbage and filling materials on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake.
Lacson said government agencies should coordinate to identify those responsible for the alleged activities in the lakeshore area, which he said covers about 170 hectares.
He earlier posted a 25-second video showing a joint government inspection of the area, describing the situation as a “total display of impunity and disrespect for the law.”
Lacson said he proposed the joint investigation during a conference at his Senate office to consolidate the efforts of government agencies and determine the facts surrounding the alleged reclamation.
“Pagka laki-laki ng area na natabunan ng basura at filling materials ang Laguna Lake sa Taguig side, ito ang Lakeshore, 170 hectares,” Lacson said in an interview with DWIZ 882.
He said the Philippine Reclamation Authority, Land Registration Authority, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Office of the Ombudsman and Department of Public Works and Highways should take part in the investigation.
Lacson said the agencies have different areas of responsibility. The PRA handles reclamation concerns, while the LLDA and DENR oversee matters involving Laguna Lake and environmental concerns. He said the DPWH should address infrastructure-related issues, while the Ombudsman could handle cases arising from the investigation.
Lacson also said he would continue gathering evidence despite what he described as insinuations from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
“Hindi ko papatulan pero ang paghanap ng ebidensya, tuloy-tuloy ang pagkalap ng ebidensya,” Lacson said.
He said he would not engage Cayetano but would continue collecting evidence on the alleged reclamation activities.