SENATOR Panfilo “Ping” Lacson announced on Saturday that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is prepared to issue cease‑and‑desist orders against ongoing construction projects in Taguig City linked to alleged illegal reclamation activities.
Lacson stated that Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has given assurance that the orders will be released immediately upon receipt of an official request from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). The commitment was reportedly made during a meeting held last Thursday to address the unauthorized developments.
The senator emphasized that stopping the projects is essential to prevent further waste of public funds. “This will prevent the worsening of the situation where government money is wasted on contractors who are doing the wrong thing,” Lacson explained. He noted that initial findings indicate the alleged unauthorized reclamation activities span at least 85 hectares, raising serious concerns about compliance with environmental laws, land use regulations, and proper authorization procedures.
Once the PRA formally transmits its request, the DPWH is expected to move swiftly to halt all work within the affected areas. The intervention aims to put an immediate stop to activities that have proceeded without proper clearance, while authorities conduct a full investigation and determine the legal status of the reclamation projects. The development signals strengthened oversight and coordinated action between government agencies to curb illegal land reclamation.
metrosundaily
