Taguig Under Scrutiny: Senator Lacson Exposes Double Billing in Infrastructure Projects

Senator Panfilo Lacson has uncovered evidence of double billing in multiple infrastructure projects in Taguig City, prompting calls for a full-scale investigation and accountability among local officials.

The revelation, reported by The Manila Times on July 26, 2026, marks the latest development in Lacson’s ongoing probe into alleged ghost projects and financial irregularities within the city’s public works department. The senator, known for his no-nonsense approach to corruption, presented documents showing that at least three road rehabilitation and drainage projects were billed twice to the national government’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the city government’s local funds.

The Double Billing Scheme

According to Lacson, the double billing involved contractors submitting identical invoices for the same set of projects to both the DPWH and the Taguig City engineering office. The total amount in question is estimated to be around PHP 45 million.

“This is not a simple bookkeeping error. This is a deliberate attempt to defraud the government,” Lacson said in a press briefing. “We have receipts, project completion reports, and bank transfer records that clearly show the same project was paid for twice—once by the national government and once by the city.”

The senator identified three specific projects:

• Drainage improvement along C-5 Road (billed at PHP 18 million to DPWH and PHP 18 million to Taguig City)
• Road concreting in Barangay Fort Bonifacio (billed at PHP 12 million to both entities)
• Flood control structure in Barangay Ususan (billed at PHP 15 million to both entities)

Accountability and Next Steps

Lacson has urged the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Office of the Ombudsman to launch a formal investigation. He also called on Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano to cooperate fully and provide all relevant documents.

“Accountability must start at the top. If the city government allowed this to happen, then those responsible must be held liable,” Lacson added. “The taxpayers of Taguig deserve to know where their money went.”

The senator has also filed a resolution in the Senate calling for a legislative inquiry into the matter, citing the need for stricter oversight of local government infrastructure spending.

Background and Context

This is not the first time Lacson has targeted Taguig City. In recent months, he has been investigating reports of ghost projects—infrastructure that was supposedly completed but either does not exist or is substandard. His office has received whistleblower testimonies from former city employees and contractors alleging widespread irregularities.

Taguig, one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Manila, has seen a boom in infrastructure development under the current administration. The city’s budget for public works has increased significantly, making it a prime target for potential abuse.

Analysis: Implications for Local Governance

The double billing scandal raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current auditing mechanisms. If a single project can be billed to two different government agencies without detection, it suggests a systemic failure in oversight.

• Weak coordination between national and local agencies allows fraudulent claims to slip through.
• Lack of centralized project monitoring makes it easy for contractors to submit duplicate invoices.
• Political connections may shield culprits from accountability.

Experts say that without a unified digital database of all government-funded projects, such schemes will continue. The incident also highlights the need for stronger whistleblower protection laws to encourage insiders to come forward.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Taguig City government. Mayor Cayetano has yet to issue a formal statement, but her office has indicated that it will cooperate with any inquiry.

For Senator Lacson, this is just the beginning. “We will not stop until every peso is accounted for,” he vowed. “The era of impunity is over.”

The case is expected to be taken up by the Senate Committee on Public Works in the coming weeks, with potential criminal charges against contractors and local officials if evidence of fraud is confirmed.