The public clash between Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano intensified on Saturday, with Lacson declaring that the minority leader should be imprisoned over corruption allegations.
The latest friction ignited after Cayetano claimed that the net worth of both Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo had doubled, citing data from their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
Firing back, Lacson accused Cayetano of attempting to damage his credibility and argued that the minority leader crossed a line by questioning his financial legitimacy.
“My integrity is my first and last line of defense and I will fight to defend it with all my might. Sen. Cayetano has crossed the line by attacking it,” Lacson posted on his social media account.
The lawmaker went on to claim that numerous individuals, acting either directly or via intermediaries, have come forward and are prepared to provide evidence and testimony against Cayetano.
“As of this morning, I’m still counting informants and witnesses, directly or through intermediaries, willing to provide information and evidence to put him in his proper place – the Payatas, QC jail,” Lacson added.
Addressing the claims regarding his personal wealth, Lacson clarified that his net worth actually grew fourfold—not just double—between 2022 and 2025.
He noted that the growth occurred during his time as a private citizen through legitimate business ventures and property transactions conducted alongside two partners.
“Whatever money I have, I definitely earned legitimately through some real estate deals and other legitimate businesses with 2 other business partners as a private individual, and I paid ₱10.5M and ₱2.8M respectively as reflected in my ITR’s (income tax return),” Lacson said.
Lacson then turned the tables on Cayetano, accusing him of securing billions of pesos in budget insertions within the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
He emphasized that he has never engaged in such practices throughout his own legislative career.
“Unlike Sen Cayetano with ₱6.79B in budget insertions under the 2025 GAA, wala akong insertions a.k.a. pork barrel since I became a senator. At lalong wala akong 25% kickback sa mga slope protection and other infra projects. I don’t know about him, but I have consistently refused lobby monies in relation to my job as a legislator,” Lacson said.
He wrapped up his remarks by hinting that future Senate inquiries could soon target Cayetano’s political stronghold.
“And yes, re Blue Ribbon hearings, huwag siyang mainip, meron ding ghost sa Taguig,” he added.