Tag: Laguna Lake

Lacson: PRA Starts Process to Forfeit Illegally Reclaimed Taguig Land for National Government

The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) has started the process that could lead to the forfeiture in favor of the national government of several hectares of illegally reclaimed land on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson said the PRA has confirmed his and his team’s initial findings that the Taguig City government had not secured a single permit required to undertake the reclamation.

“They are moving toward an investigation that would lead to a PRA board resolution to start the process toward forfeiture proceedings. If reclamation is undertaken without a permit from the PRA, which is the agency mandated to regulate reclamation and issue the necessary permits, the logical conclusion is that the land should be forfeited in favor of the national government. And the PRA confirmed that there was not a single permit,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

“The reclaimed land may be benefiting residents, as former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano claims, but the proper procedures and laws still have to be followed, including securing the necessary permits. The PRA said the city government did not secure a single permit,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: PRA, Sinimulan na ang Proseso para I-Forfeit sa Pambansang Gobyerno ang Ilegal na Ni-Reclaim na Lupa sa Taguig

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Lacson: End Impunity in Illegal Reclamation Ops in Taguig; Time for Justice and Accountability

The impunity that has accompanied unabated and illegal reclamation operations disguised as flood control and mitigation projects in the Taguig side of Laguna Lake for several years must end and give way to justice and accountability, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said the operations had been allowed to continue despite questions over their legality and effectiveness in addressing flooding, while power and influence were used to harass officials of the agencies tasked to protect Laguna Lake.

“The Cayetanos have disguised these unabated and illegal reclamation operations in the Taguig side of Laguna Lake as flood control and mitigation projects for several years now, using their power and influence to harass officials of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, Laguna Lake Development Authority and other agencies tasked to protect the lake,” he said.

In Filipino: Lacson: Tapusin ang Impunity sa Illegal Reclamation Ops sa Taguig; Panahon na para sa Hustisya at Pananagutan

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Ping Lacson Eyes Ways to Protect Small Fishermen from Commercial Vessels

Should he earn a seat in the Senate this May, former Senator and 2025 senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson will study ways to protect the welfare of small fishermen in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial vessels to operate in municipal waters.

Lacson, a champion of the rights of farmers and fisherfolk as well as local government units, said Thursday that at least one LGU has joined calls asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling.

“Legislation may be needed, including possible amendments to existing laws, to firm up the protection of our municipal waters,” Lacson said in Filipino in an interview on Bombo Radyo Philippines on Thursday.

Related: Ping Lacson, Ipagtatanggol ang Maliit na Mangingisda sa Pagpasok ng Commercial Vessels

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Ping Lacson Wants LGUs Around Laguna Lake to Have Greater Say in Its Management

Former Senator and 2025 senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson wants local government units (LGUs) around Laguna Lake to have a greater say in its cleanup, rehabilitation and management.

Lacson also proposed that the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) allow more participation for LGUs in managing Laguna Lake through a board- or council-type setup.

“I am prepared to partner with you not just in Muntinlupa City but also the other LGUs around Laguna Lake in this regard,” Lacson said in Filipino at the Muntinlupa City government’s flag-raising ceremony early Monday.

Related: Ping Lacson, Nais Mabigyan ng Mas Malakas na Boses ang LGUs sa Laguna Lake Para sa Pamamahala Nito

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