Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has questioned the sincerity of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano following allegations that Cayetano proposed a temporary truce during an ongoing Senate probe into questionable infrastructure projects in Taguig, only to deny making the offer later.
According to Lacson, Cayetano privately approached at least five majority bloc senators, suggesting they shelve their political disputes to focus on legislative work.
However, Lacson noted that Cayetano subsequently publicly rejected claims that he made any such proposal.
“So nasaan ang sincerity kung nag-offer ka ng ceasefire tapos sa unang pagkakataon pinagkakaila mo?” Lacson said during a radio interview.
Lacson stated that he had expected good faith from Cayetano before the majority bloc would evaluate the truce offer. Cayetano’s public denial, however, prompted Lacson to dismiss the proposal entirely.
“Yan ang dialogue niya, ‘Magtrabaho tayo.’ Unang una, sino ba nanggulo sa Senate kaya nagkaganyan-ganyan?” he added.
Lacson further cited another inconsistency, claiming Cayetano requested Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Erwin Tulfo to suspend hearings on alleged flood control project irregularities.
Despite the ongoing friction, Lacson emphasized that the Senate has resumed normal operations under Senate President Win Gatchalian.