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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider P700-M worth of public funds wasted during Alan Cayetano's chaotic Senate leadership—Lacson

P700-M worth of public funds wasted during Alan Cayetano's chaotic Senate leadership—Lacson

Published Jun 18, 2026 02:24 pm

At A Glance

  • Sen. Alan Cayetano's leadership was also marked by a failed destabilization try and bogus committee hearings—including one that was supposedly held outside of the Senate, but not a single senator attended, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson noted.


At least P700-million in taxpayers' money were wasted in the 28 days that disgraced ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano headed the Upper Chamber, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said Thursday, June 18.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (Mark Balmores)
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (Mark Balmores)

Lacson said the lowest period in the Senate included the shooting inside the premises two days after he became the Senate president and also Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s “escape” while under the Senate’s “protective custody.”

Aside from this, the 28-day period also saw a boycott of sessions by the Cayetano-led bloc which derailed the passage of important measures and the confirmation of the five generals and 85 foreign service officers (FSOs) by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Cayetano’s leadership, Lacson noted, was also marked by a failed destabilization try and bogus committee hearings—including one that was supposedly held outside of the Senate, but not a single senator attended.

“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 nor attended by a single senator. WHAT A WASTE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY!" he said on X.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2067389335507525682

Even newly-elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has earlier noted that the Senate spends about P25-million a day when sessions are stalled without plenary work.

With Gatchalian’s election as the new Senate chief, Lacson said he is optimistic of a fresh start and that the Senate would finally get back to work.

“This is a fresh start. And I hope everybody will cooperate, including the members of the minority,” he said.

Also in an interview on Radio DZBB, Lacson said he is hopeful that after Wednesday's special session, the Senate will finally experience the "calm after the storm."

"Hopefully ang calm after the storm nandiyan na (Hopefully we will experience the calm after the storm)," he said, adding Wednesday's special session saw the confirmation of 85 FSOs and the five AFP officers.

“Tapos nakapag-organize ng committees (We also managed to organize the committees),” he added.

Related Tags

Ping Lacson Senate leadership crisis Alan Peter Cayetano
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