Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday questioned the sincerity of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano after the latter allegedly sought a "ceasefire" through members of the Senate majority bloc but later publicly denied making such overtures. The issue arose after Lacson exposed what he described as anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig City, Cayetano's political bailiwick.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cayetano's efforts began on Wednesday last week when he approached at least five members of the majority bloc individually to seek an end to hostilities. Lacson said the attempts intensified on Monday and Tuesday this week, with Cayetano allegedly asking one senator to relay the request. He added that the matter was discussed during the majority bloc's caucus and fellowship on Wednesday.
Lacson questioned Cayetano's sincerity, stating, "Where is your sincerity when you offer a ceasefire, then deny it at the first opportunity?" He emphasized the lack of good faith by pointing out Cayetano's public denial of the overtures after requesting a ceasefire.
Lacson also cited another instance involving Cayetano, where the former Senate president allegedly asked Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Erwin Tulfo not to proceed with hearings on the alleged flood control scandal but later cast doubt on Tulfo's account when questioned by the media.
Reflecting on past support, Lacson recalled helping Cayetano during the latter's first Senate bid after an administration-backed namesake filed a certificate of candidacy, leading to the disqualification of the namesake.
In response to Cayetano's call for the Senate to return its focus to legislative work, Lacson argued that Cayetano's leadership move on May 11 disrupted the chamber's operations. He highlighted that the Senate remained focused on legislative work since electing Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Lacson reported attending a briefing with the Department of Finance to prepare for the panel's legislative agenda. Meanwhile, Lacson claimed evidence gathered by his office indicates Cayetano controls the operations of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and related activities in Taguig City.
Investigations by Lacson's office revealed that district engineers in Taguig allegedly follow directives from Cayetano's trusted men, with infrastructure projects prearranged for favored contractors. Lacson emphasized the investigation would not stop in Taguig despite Cayetano's appeal to expand the probe to other areas, stating, "To satisfy him, no. To satisfy the public, yes."
Lacson concluded by suggesting that Cayetano should learn from the controversy.
