Lacson, Cayetano trade barbs over senators' net worth increase

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has fired back at his colleague Senator Alan Cayetano’s claims that his net worth had doubled. Lacson stated that his net worth in his 2025 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALN) did not double compared to 2022 when he left the Senate, but actually increased more than fourfold. According to Lacson, his net worth rose to P244.9 million from P50.7 million in 2022, the year he exited government service. He explained that the earnings were legitimately acquired through real estate deals and other legitimate businesses with two business partners, and that he paid P10.5 million and P2.8 million in income taxes respectively, as reflected in his income tax returns (ITRs). Lacson’s statement came after Cayetano alleged during a Facebook live that the net worth of Lacson, as well as Senator Erwin Tulfo, had doubled, attributing the increase to business. Furthermore, Lacson accused Cayetano of having a P6.79 billion budget insertion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. He asserted that he did not receive a 25% kickback in slope protection and other infrastructure projects, adding, “I don’t know about him.” Lacson also stated that he has consistently refused lobby monies in relation to his job as a legislator. Earlier, Cayetano had also alleged that the new Senate majority, particularly Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo, who chairs the Senate blue committee, were being biased and following orders from Malacañang. Lacson responded by saying that Cayetano should not be impatient regarding the Blue Ribbon hearings, and also mentioned a “ghost project” in Taguig.