Ping bares ‘double billing’ in Taguig infrastructure projects

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday released what he described as new evidence of alleged “double billing and collection” involving infrastructure projects in Taguig, saying the documents would be turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman or presented in a Senate investigation.

In a post on X, Lacson said two separate infrastructure projects, with different appropriations, contractors, technical descriptions and locations, allegedly used the same photograph for billing purposes despite both projects having already been paid.

He also said that a single slope protection project received two separate budget appropriations and that both had been billed and collected.

“Are these not criminal acts?” Lacson asked.

The senator said the latest findings add to the evidence his office has gathered on alleged anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig, the political bailiwick of Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

In a separate post on Saturday night, Lacson said a person’s character is tested when his integrity is questioned, adding that those who believe they are innocent should stand their ground instead of yielding to accusations.

Lacson has previously said his scrutiny of the alleged anomalous Taguig projects stemmed from his efforts to explain the increase in his net worth following remarks made by Cayetano.

“This is not about friendship or personal fights, this is about accountability,” Lacson said.