By Tracy Cabrera
PASAY CITY — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson strongly pushed back against Senator Alan Peter Cayetano over allegations involving his growing net worth, accusing the former Senate president of corruption and saying he belongs behind bars if the accusations against him are proven.
The exchange escalated after Cayetano claimed that the declared net worth of both Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo had more than doubled since they assumed elected positions in government.
Lacson categorically denied the accusation, explaining that any increase in his wealth came from legitimate real estate investments and other lawful business transactions. He stressed that his financial gains were properly earned and not connected to his public office.
The veteran lawmaker also defended his record in government, describing his integrity as his strongest shield against accusations.
“He has crossed the line,” Lacson said, referring to Cayetano’s recent statements.
Clearly angered by the allegations, Lacson revealed that individuals had begun approaching him with information that could allegedly implicate Cayetano in corruption.
“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—in the Quezon City jail, in Payatas,” Lacson said.
He further alleged that Cayetano was linked to P6.79 billion worth of budget insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while emphasizing that he had never inserted projects into the national budget during his years in the Senate.
Lacson also claimed that alleged ghost projects existed in Taguig City, Cayetano’s political bailiwick.
According to him, 68 of the 70 projects funded through the supposed P6.79-billion budget insertions had already been implemented, leaving only two projects worth around P75 million yet to be released or obligated.
“Out of his P6.79B budget insertions under the 2025 GAA, 68 out of the 70 projects were implemented. So only two projects, equivalent to around P75 million, are left unreleased or unobligated. In short, a total of P6.715 billion was spent. While you do the math, we will keep digging,” Lacson said.
Lacson also recalled previous allegations made against him by former Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Victor Corpus and former whistleblower Antonio Luis Marquez, also known as “Ador Mawanay,” who had accused him of involvement in illegal drugs and maintaining secret foreign bank accounts.
He noted that both later withdrew their accusations and publicly apologized.
The senator maintained that he had consistently defended his reputation and said integrity remains the greatest legacy left to him by his parents.
ia/xf
