MANILA, Philippines — The ongoing beef between Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson continued as both senators traded barbs anew over alleged irregularities in infrastructure and reclamation projects in Taguig City, the Cayetanos' political bailiwick.
This, after Lacson expressed belief that if his anti-corruption crusade is intimidating—or even rattling—the corrupt, then he must be doing something right and good for the country.
In a social media post, Cayetano criticized Lacson’s anti-corruption campaign, saying it allegedly empowers the masterminds and those he described as most guilty.
Cayetano also accused Lacson of trying to silence voices defending the country, the Constitution and democracy.
“Truthfully, your so-called fight against the corrupt actually empowers the masterminds and those most guilty,” Cayetano said in a Facebook post.
“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 disputed Lacson’s statement he must be doing something benefitting the country, questioning who is ultimately benefitting from the latter’s approach.
The Senate minority leader said it is Lacson who is protecting the corrupt and challenged 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 post by calling for national healing, repentance, and renewal, urging attention to the suffering of Filipinos. His appeal extended beyond the exchange with Lacson to the need to address the country’s hardships.
“It is Time to heal our land. Time to truly address the suffering of our people. Time for repentance and renewal,” Cayetano said.
On Monday, Cayetano claimed it was “obvious” who was behind the threats against members of the minority bloc, citing as an example Lacson's supposed pronouncement that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should be finished by December.
But Lacson said he has made no such pronouncement. On the contrary, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero were the first to float the possibility that the length of the impeachment trial would hopefully be shortened and wrap up before December.
In a separate social media post, Lacson called Cayetano's claim a “classic case of putting words into my mouth,” saying he never made such a statement and does not have the power or influence to dictate the timeline of the proceedings.
The two senators have previously traded accusations over Lacson’s investigation into alleged anomalous projects in Taguig, with Cayetano accusing Lacson of conducting a “trial by publicity,” while Lacson has maintained that his investigation is evidence-based.
Earlier, Lacson and his staff submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman at least 45 case studies backed by official documents detailing “systemic anomalies” in flood control infrastructure projects.
Aside from this, Lacson and his team sent to the Ombudsman several pieces of evidence they have gathered so far on the illegal reclamation and infrastructure projects in Taguig City.
