Cayetano to Lacson: Stop the theatrics, let evidence speak

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday told Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to “stop the theatrics” and let evidence speak in the proper forum as the latter continues his probe into infrastructure and reclamation projects in Taguig City.

“Senator Lacson has perfected the art of political persecution, which is a combination of demolition jobs, witch hunts, and trial by publicity, disguised as legal prosecution,” Cayetano said in a Facebook post.

“He intimidates and threatens witnesses and agencies, then he himself makes announcements for them,” he added.

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Cayetano’s statement came as Lacson on Monday flagged at least P3.713 billion in public funds that he said may have been “wasted” on flood control and multipurpose projects in reclamation areas along Laguna Lake in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of the Cayetanos.

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READ: Lacson: P3.7B ‘wasted’ on ‘illegal’ Taguig reclamation projects

In his post, which emphasized the word “WASTED,” Cayetano said investigations into corruption and flood control should be pursued from investigation to accountability, but warned that the process must be a search for “TRUTH,” rather than a vehicle for “political vendetta.”

“This is where Senator Ping Lacson and the majority of Filipinos fundamentally differ,” Cayetano said.

Obscuring the truth

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According to Cayetano, accusations should be met with specific questions on what happened, who was responsible, and what evidence supports the claims.

Cayetano argued that repeatedly raising new allegations and insinuations only confuses the issues and makes the truth harder for Filipinos to see.

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“To be fair – if there is evidence against DPWH, Taguig, or against me, then present it. Allow the investigative offices (like The Office of The Ombudsman) to do their job. Stop the theatrics and let the evidence do the talking set In The proper judicial Venue where fairness Is assured,” he said.

READ: DPWH stops Taguig reclamation projects

“Let the investigating agencies investigate! Let the witnesses testify freely and truthfully. Let the accused answer,” Cayetano added.

He also called for allegations of corruption anywhere in government to be investigated “with exactly the same determination,” regardless of the personalities or political affiliations involved.

Right back at ‘ya

Cayetano then used Lacson’s own “WASTED” framing to argue that public resources and government efforts could themselves be wasted when investigations become political battles rather than disciplined searches for truth.

He said government time spent on political warfare, public funds spent on projects that do not serve Filipinos, investigations turned into “political theater,” and opportunities for meaningful reforms sacrificed for partisan interests all amount to being “WASTED.”

“And ultimately, we risk wasting something far more precious than government money or government time: The sacrifice of those who came before us,” Cayetano wrote further on the same day the country celebrates National Heroes Day.

“Our heroes did not sacrifice so succeeding generations could perfect the politics of accusation. They sacrificed because they believed we could build a nation,” he added.

Cayetano said National Heroes Day should serve as a reminder of the responsibility of Filipinos to build on the freedom, country and future left by those who came before them.

READ: Lacson flags 4 ‘fraudulently’ titled parcels in Taguig

“Let us stop wasting time, opportunities, and the Filipino people’s trust,” he said.

Lacson previously said that his office has turned over to the Ombudsman evidence that he and his office found from their investigation in Taguig.

His probe into the city was fueled by his feud with Cayetano who first alleged that Lacson’s net worth doubled.

Lacson has since fired back, saying he had no budget insertions since he was elected senator, and in turn accused Cayetano of making P6.79-billion insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Cayetano has also denied all these allegations and said Taguig had no “ghost” projects.

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The Inquirer sought comment from Lacson over Cayetano’s latest post but has yet to receive a response as of posting time. /jpv