Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson expressed sympathy for Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, suggesting that his former colleague seems to be approaching a psychological breaking point after being removed as Senate President and replaced by Senator Win Gatchalian.
In a social media post, Lacson pointed out Cayetano’s increasingly volatile behavior after losing his leadership majority in the chamber.
“Kawawa naman. Kung anu-ano na sinasabi. Parang malapit nang bumigay. Sana hindi matuluyang mag meltdown. Ipagdasal natin na huwag makaisip magpatiwakal,” Lacson wrote.
Lacson, who is aligned with the new majority bloc led by Gatchalian and previously served as Senate President Pro Tempore under Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, dismissed Cayetano’s recent string of allegations, stating that his outbursts should no longer be taken seriously.
The remarks followed a video statement released by Cayetano on Friday, June 19, where he launched fresh attacks against the current Senate leadership.
Cayetano labeled Senate President Pro Tempore Sotto and Senator Raffy Tulfo as “lapdogs” of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and disparaged Senator Erwin Tulfo, calling him a “lapdog” of Lacson, whom he then referred to as a “dog” that executes orders.
Lacson quickly fired back by pointing out the irony in how Cayetano used to address him in the past.
“ASO? I WILL NEVER ADMIT THAT. Pero, siya – Kuya Ping ang tawag niya sa akin – matagal na… SELF-ADMISSION yata ang tawag dun,” Lacson quipped.
The public feud highlights a significant shift in their political relationship. Lacson noted that he had previously mentored and supported Cayetano during his 2007 senatorial run under the “Genuine Opposition” coalition.
At the time, Lacson was a leading candidate who helped Cayetano navigate a legal challenge from a nuisance candidate sharing his nickname, campaigning alongside figures like former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and incumbent Senators Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero.