Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday dismissed Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste’s assertion that the Philippines is under “de facto martial law,” saying there is no basis for claims that government critics are being persecuted.
“Of course not. Malayo. Walang ganun. I don’t agree,” Lacson told reporters, reacting to Leviste’s remarks that critics of the Marcos administration were being targeted.
He pointed out that Leviste himself filed a cyber libel complaint against Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro over her comments on his solar power companies.
“Wala akong nakikitang ganun. Siya nga nag-file ng complaint for libel. Kung may de facto martial law, siya ang (nakasuhan),” Lacson said.
While acknowledging Leviste’s courage and principles, Lacson stressed that this time he disagreed.
“Ako, malimit akong naga-agree sa kanya- (sa) kanyang raw courage, sa kanyang principles. But this time, (I don’t agree with him),” he added.
In a video message released Monday, Leviste claimed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was following the path of his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled under martial law until his ouster in 1986.
“Ang Pilipinas ngayon ay nasa ilalim ng de facto martial law- hindi man deklarado, pero nararamdaman. Marami ay tahimik dahil sa takot na makasuhan, dahil nakikita na ang mga kritiko ng administrasyon ang mga unang sinasampahan ng kaso habang ang ibang mga kaalyado ay hinahayaan,” Leviste said.
He further alleged that laws and budgets were being passed without debate.
“Dahil dito, ang ibang mga batas ay inaaprubahan nang walang debate at may mga bilyun-bilyong pisong mga budget na hindi kinukwestiyon,” he added.
Lacson’s remarks highlight a sharp divide in perspectives between the Senate leadership and Leviste’s claims of political repression under the current administration.