MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday dismissed Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s attempts to frame him as taking on multiple judicial and executive roles, stating he would only consider the labels a compliment if they came from someone credible.
Lacson suggested that Cayetano’s comments actually highlight his relentless effort to interrogate anomalies, gather evidence, and hold accountable those responsible for questionable infrastructure developments.
”IF THIS WERE COMING FROM SOMEONE CREDIBLE, I’D TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT: ‘Si Senator Lacson kasi ano na eh, Chief Justice Lacson, Prosecutor Lacson, DOJ Lacson, persecutor Lacson, siya na lahat. Secretary Lacson, siya na nagdidikta eh,’ —Alan Peter Cayetano,” Lacson wrote in a social media post.
The friction intensified following Cayetano’s social media livestream on Tuesday, where he expressed frustration over Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon’s clarification that inquiries into certain Taguig City projects remain ongoing and subject to further validation.
Cayetano urged Dizon to adhere to his previous remark during a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget hearing that no “ghost projects” existed in the area.
During his broadcast, Cayetano complained that Lacson had effectively transformed into a “Chief Justice,” “Prosecutor,” “DOJ,” and “persecutor” who controls the direction of the Senate flood control probe.
Lacson countered the criticism during a radio interview on Tuesday, maintaining that his stance is driven purely by evidence and civic duty rather than personal animosity.
“Hindi ito personalan. Kung may nakita kang anomalya, ipipikit mo ang mata mo?” Lacson remarked.
The former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson recalled that irregularities in flood control projects discovered last year compelled him to investigate further, eventually leading to two privilege speeches exposing systemic corruption in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro.
Lacson noted that proceedings under his committee gathered pivotal evidence that has since led to legal action against several individuals.
”Na-cascade ito sa kaso ngayon whether sa Sandiganbayan o Ombudsman. Palagay ko nakatulong ang aking team sa pag-expose ng anomalya sa flood control,” Lacson added.