Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano exchanged fresh accusations on Tuesday, September 15, as the two lawmakers defended their positions on corruption, accountability and political responsibility.
Lacson maintained that criticism and discomfort among people allegedly involved in corruption would indicate that his anti-corruption efforts were having an impact.
“If my fight against corruption intimidates the corrupt, I must be doing something right and good for the country,” Lacson said in a social media post.
His statement followed Cayetano’s claim a day earlier that members of the Senate minority bloc had received threats.
Cayetano said it was “obvious” whom he believed could be behind the alleged intimidation, citing, among other things, a supposed statement from Lacson calling for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to be completed by December.
Lacson has not made such a statement, however. The possibility of expediting the impeachment proceedings and finishing them before December had earlier been raised by Senate President Win Gatchalian and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
The latest dispute also came amid Lacson’s earlier submission, together with his team, of at least 45 case studies to the Office of the Ombudsman involving alleged “systemic anomalies” in flood-control projects in Taguig City, Cayetano’s political stronghold. The submissions were accompanied by official documents.
The Ombudsman has confirmed that it is conducting a fact-finding inquiry into the allegations involving the projects.
Cayetano responded in a Facebook post, questioning Lacson’s anti-corruption campaign and accusing the senator of helping alleged wrongdoers while attempting to suppress those who criticize his approach.
“Truthfully, your so-called fight against the corrupt actually empowers the masterminds and those most guilty,” Cayetano said.
“All you have done is to try to silence the few voices still standing for the country, the Constitution, and democracy. You can bully and silence some, but not all of us,” he added.
Cayetano also challenged Lacson’s claim that his campaign was serving the national interest, asking who ultimately benefits from the senator’s actions.
He further accused Lacson of shielding corrupt individuals and called on him to change course.
“Imagine a Ping Lacson truly fighting against corruption, instead of protecting the corrupt. Like many other Filipinos, I used to believe in you—and it’s not too late,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano concluded his message by broadening the discussion to the country’s wider problems, urging Filipinos to pursue healing, repentance and renewal.
“It is Time to heal our land. Time to truly address the suffering of our people. Time for repentance and renewal,” Cayetano said.