Manila: Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson on Wednesday outlined a three-pronged approach to strengthen flood-control efforts: pursue accountability in alleged illegal reclamation and questionable infrastructure projects; tap forensic engineering expertise to assess public works; and preserve a long-term flood-control master plan across administrations.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a radio interview, Lacson said the Office of the Ombudsman has already issued subpoenas to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Land Registration Authority, and the Registry of Deeds - Taguig as part of its fact-finding investigation into reclamation activities along the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake. Lacson mentioned, "May subpoena na pinalabas ang Ombudsman sa Land Registration Authority, Registry of Deeds ng Taguig, at sa DPWH, pati sa PRA (The Ombudsman has issued subpoenas to the Land Registration Authority, Taguig Registry of Deeds, DPWH, and PRA)."
His office submitted 10 title numbers linked to the sites, while the PRA provided drone images to investigators. Lacson stated that the investigation covers eight reclamation sites, only one of which has been completed, while seven others dating as far back as 2007 remain ongoing. The PRA is working on possible forfeiture proceedings involving at least 85 hectares, subject to approval by its board.
Lacson warned that continued reclamation could worsen the already silted condition of Laguna Lake, particularly in areas where development may have proceeded without the required permits. Beyond the Taguig investigation, he emphasized that accountability should also extend to public infrastructure damaged or exposed to weaknesses during recent floods.
He urged civil engineers' groups to organize teams capable of conducting forensic inspections of roads, bridges, flood-control structures, and other public works to determine whether problems stemmed from structural design or implementation. Lacson said, "Kung nagkulang sa structural design o implementation dapat habulin ang contractor (If there were deficiencies in the structural design or implementation, the contractor should be held accountable)."
He suggested that such reviews could help identify where corrective action is needed and establish responsibility among contractors, DPWH officials, and project proponents when warranted. Inspections should not be limited to recently completed projects, noting that infrastructure built several years ago could still be reassessed to determine whether standards were properly followed.
At the policy level, Lacson advocated for maintaining continuity in flood-control planning instead of starting from scratch whenever a new administration takes office. He cited the flood-control master plan prepared during the Aquino administration under then public works secretary Rogelio Singson, which he said was discontinued. "Dapat may continuity, multi-administration. Dapat nagko-cross ng administrations ang plano kung ito'y maayos (There should be continuity. The plan should span multiple administrations if it is sound)," Lacson stated.
He mentioned that succeeding governments might modify or adapt a master plan to changing conditions, but its basic framework should remain in place to make flood-control spending more systematic and efficient. Lacson noted that DPWH flood-control funding rose from PHP183.55 billion from 2011 to 2016 to PHP748.42 billion from 2017 to 2022, before reaching PHP1 trillion from 2023 to 2025. The three periods, combined, amount to about PHP1.94 trillion.
Citing previous testimonies of former DPWH officials Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, and Brice Hernandez, Lacson said an estimated 35 percent to 40 percent of that amount could have been lost to corruption. He emphasized that stronger oversight, technical review, and continuity in planning could help ensure that future flood-control investments deliver better protection for communities and greater value for public funds.
