Sen. Ping Lacson criticized former Senate President Alan Cayetano, saying he was the only leader of the chamber who failed to demonstrate statesmanship and professionalism during his tenure.
In a social media post, Lacson said he had witnessed several leadership transitions in the Senate over the years and observed a common trait among most Senate presidents.
He cited former Senate Presidents Frank Drilon, Manny Villar, Juan Ponce Enrile, Koko Pimentel, Tito Sotto, Chiz Escudero, and Win Gatchalian as leaders who displayed professionalism and statesmanship while serving as head of the Senate.
According to Lacson, Cayetano was the lone exception among those who held the position.
Lacson said Cayetano’s leadership triggered what he described as “legislative paralysis,” alleging that the former Senate president’s desire to retain power affected the chamber’s ability to function effectively.
The senator said previous Senate leaders managed transitions in leadership without causing disruptions to the institution’s operations. He contrasted those transitions with the events that took place during Cayetano’s term.
Lacson did not provide additional details in the post but reiterated his earlier criticism of Cayetano’s leadership.
The remarks came after a series of leadership changes in the Senate. Last year, Chiz Escudero and Tito Sotto served as Senate president before the position was assumed by Cayetano in May. Earlier this month, Sen. Win Gatchalian succeeded Cayetano as Senate president.
Lacson previously claimed that approximately P700 million in public funds had been wasted during Cayetano’s term because of what he described as a lack of legislative output.
Cayetano has yet to issue a public response to Lacson’s latest remarks.
The exchange adds to the continuing political debate over leadership and productivity in the Senate.c
