Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson on Tuesday, January 27 rebuffed allegations that there is a "de facto Martial Law" in the Philippines.

Lacson is referring to the claims made by Rep. Leandro Leviste, who in a Facebook video alleged that the Philippines was under “de facto martial law” where government critics are silenced through legal action. 

In the video, Leviste, who is facing legal scrutiny over a solar energy firm he established, drew parallels to the military rule of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s father and the incumbent leader.

As far as he is concerned, Lacson said he does not see acts of silencing critics happening under the current Marcos administration.

“Of course not. Malayo (It’s far off). I do not agree,” Lacson told reporters in an interview when asked about such claims.

Lacson noted that if there were indeed a "de facto Martial Law," Leviste would have been slapped with a libel complaint for criticizing supposed wrongdoings in the government.

"I often agree with him, considering his courage and principles. But this time, I don't agree," he said.

The senator also said anybody should be open to investigation by authorities especially if they have nothing to hide. He cited his own experience of facing baseless criminal accusations during the Arroyo administration.

Despite the hurdles, Lacson said he managed to survive such acts during those nine long years.

"If their charges against you have no basis, no matter how they investigate you, they'll come up empty-handed. I've been there, done that. For nine long years I was subjected to such baseless accusations. Yet I'm still here, still standing," he said.