SENATOR Panfilo “Ping” Lacson claimed on Thursday that approximately P700 million in public funds were allegedly wasted within less than a month since Senator Alan Peter Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency.
Lacson, a vocal critic of the chamber’s recent leadership, cited this figure while enumerating what he described as the most troubling developments during Cayetano’s short tenure, asserting that the huge amount spent yielded nothing but disorder and failure to uphold institutional standards.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lacson outlined a list of setbacks that marked the first 28 days of Cayetano’s term. “The Philippine Senate in 28 days under Alan Peter Cayetano: Estimated Cost — P700M. Output — chaos, gunfire, Bato’s escape despite ICC‑issued warrant while under its ‘protective custody,’ session boycott, failed destabilization attempt, unauthorized committee hearings highlighted by one not presided over or attended by a single senator,” he wrote. He singled out two major incidents: the shooting that took place inside the Senate premises just two days after Cayetano took office, and the escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who was under the Senate’s own protective custody despite the existence of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
Lacson emphasized that such events were not only damaging to the Senate’s reputation but also represented a massive misuse of resources entrusted by the public.
“What a waste of taxpayers’ money,” he stressed, pointing out that instead of meaningful legislation or orderly governance, the period was defined by internal conflicts, boycotts, and proceedings that lacked proper participation or authority. According to Lacson, these issues reflect serious lapses in leadership and management, raising questions about how public funds were utilized and whether the Senate fulfilled its mandate to serve the people during that time.
