MANILA (June 18) – At least ₱700 million in taxpayers’ money was wasted during the 28-day leadership of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, according to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Lacson cited a series of controversies that marked the period, including a shooting incident inside the Senate just two days after Cayetano assumed the post, and the escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa while under the chamber’s supposed “protective custody.”
The turmoil also saw a boycott of Senate sessions by the Cayetano-led bloc, which later became the minority after Senator Francis Escudero joined the majority. This shift enabled the formation of a quorum that led to the election of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate President on June 3.
Lacson further criticized what he described as a failed destabilization attempt and questionable committee hearings—one of which reportedly had no presiding officer and no attending senators.
In a post on X, Lacson summarized the period as costly and chaotic, highlighting incidents such as gunfire, the escape of dela Rosa despite an ICC-issued warrant, stalled sessions, and unproductive proceedings.
He noted that the Senate spends approximately ₱25 million daily when sessions are stalled without plenary work, a figure earlier cited by Gatchalian.
Despite the recent upheaval, Lacson expressed optimism following the election of Gatchalian as Senate President and the reorganization of Senate leadership and committees during a special session.
“This is a fresh start. I hope everyone will cooperate, including members of the minority,” Lacson said.
In a radio interview, he added that he is hopeful the Senate will now experience a “calm after the storm.”
The special session also led to the confirmation of 85 foreign service officers and five Armed Forces of the Philippines officers whose appointments had been delayed due to the leadership dispute.
Lacson said the Senate has also successfully reorganized its committees, signaling a return to normal legislative work.
