Lacson touts anti-corruption gains amid Cayetano siblings' 'threats' claims

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday highlighted his anti-corruption efforts, stating that if his fight against corruption intimidates the corrupt, then he must be "doing something right and good for the country." This statement comes after sibling Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano claimed that members of the opposition bloc were receiving "threats." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lacson said his anti-corruption drive is "intimidating the corrupt," which he sees as proof of his work benefiting the nation. He also named Alan Peter Cayetano in connection with alleged anomalies in infrastructure projects in Taguig City. Meanwhile, Pia Cayetano, during an impeachment trial on Monday, asked former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang if she had encountered situations where judges received threats in public due to their profession. Tang responded that there were none related to pending cases before the Sandiganbayan. Pia then replied, "I'm happy for you, because we have received." In an ambush interview, Alan Peter Cayetano stated that it is "obvious" that threats were allegedly being made against opposition senators, specifically mentioning Lacson. "It's obvious, isn't it, guys? I mean, it's obvious. You can see it with your own eyes. When Senator Ping, as an example, says, 'The impeachment should be finished by December,' then by December, I'll be facing charges. The changing of the numbers. Who are being charged now? Those in the opposition," he said. When asked who was behind the threats, Cayetano responded, "It wouldn't make sense if those in the opposition are the ones threatening fellow members of the opposition." Lacson has denied making pronouncements that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should be finished by December. He stated, "A classic case of putting words into my mouth. I never said, 'The impeachment should be finished by December.' I do not have the power or influence to dictate the timeline." Lacson and his staff have formally submitted at least 45 case studies to the Office of the Ombudsman detailing "systemic anomalies" in government flood control infrastructure projects. Among the submitted evidence are alleged anomalies involving flood control projects in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of the Cayetanos. The Office of the Ombudsman is currently conducting a fact-finding investigation into these allegations. Source: GMA News Philippines