NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag confirmed on Monday that the agency has opened an investigation into alleged “ghost” flood control projects in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
The development follows public claims made by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who stated he has gathered witnesses and evidence to support allegations that Cayetano should face accountability that could land him in jail.
Matibag told reporters in an ambush interview that the inquiry is already underway, noting that 11 projects in the area from 2022 were linked to some of the country’s top contractors. “We’re already investigating,” he said, adding that while questions may be raised about timing, the matter was brought into the open by Lacson’s statements and therefore merits official scrutiny.
The probe comes amid a heated exchange between the two senators and fresh controversy over the NBI’s separate inquiry into the 2019 SEA Games facilities in New Clark City. Cayetano, who headed the organizing committee for the games, had questioned why the bureau was focusing on that matter instead of reported flood control anomalies nationwide, and accused Matibag of acting out of sync with proper procedure ahead of his scheduled appearance as a resource person in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Cayetano has repeatedly denied the existence of ghost projects in Taguig, challenging Lacson to look into other localities instead of singling out his home turf due to their political rift. The NBI’s latest confirmation signals that authorities are now formally looking into both sets of allegations, as questions persist over whether the timing of these probes is purely coincidental or tied to broader political dynamics.
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