Iza Aldana
Apr 28, 2026
Joint inspection with public works officials underscores open-book review of city projects.
TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday asserted that there are no “ghost projects” in Taguig City following an initial inspection of a government infrastructure site.
“Here in Taguig, we don’t play favorites,” Cayetano said after a preliminary review of the Hall of Justice project in Barangay Lower Bicutan on April 28, 2026.
The Justice, Law and Order (JLaw) Building is a planned five-story facility that will house courtrooms, prosecutors’ offices, the Public Attorney’s Office, and detention units.
The site was previously part of a multipurpose building project awarded in 2020 to contractors Sara and Curlee Discaya.
Joining the inspection were Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and several local officials, who assessed the ongoing conversion of the structure and its current progress.
Cayetano said that based on their initial verification, there was no evidence of ghost infrastructure projects in the city, noting that all projects underwent proper bidding procedures.
“We did our own investigation. There are no ghost projects in Taguig—it was all bidded,” the senator said.
He clarified that the issues observed in Taguig relate more to procurement and implementation rather than the existence of fictitious or non-existent projects.
“But that’s the problem with open bidding. When it’s open, anyone can win. That’s precisely why we invited the media and DPWH Secretary Vince—there’s nothing to hide here,” Cayetano added.
The lawmaker emphasized that the review conducted was only preliminary, with deeper investigations to be handled by the appropriate agencies if necessary.
“We ask preliminary questions. If we find something deeper, then we will call for the proper investigation,” he said.
Cayetano also underscored that transparency guided the inspection process.
“That’s why from the start, I told everyone—open books, be transparent, let everything be seen. My only request is that everything be done together, so no one is singled out or overlooked,” he said.
