MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said the Senate, in 28 days, under the leadership of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano cost the government P700 million and produced no output but "chaos."
The 28 days Lacson referred to were the session days. Cayetano was Senate president from May 11 to June 17 or one month and six days.
"The Philippine Senate in 28 days under Alan Peter Cayetano: Estimated cost - 700M. Output - chaos," Lacson wrote on X.
The senator said it was during Cayetano's term that "gunfire" was heard at the Senate referring to the shooting incident involving then Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca.
Lacson also cited Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa's escape on May 14 while under the Senate “protective custody." Dela Rosa, delivered the "crucial" 13th vote to oust Sen. Vicente Sotto III as Senate president and install Cayetano.
Lacson said Cayetano's leadership saw "session boycott, failed destabilization attempt, unauthorized committee hearings highlighted by one not presided nor attended by a single senator."
The Cayetano-led Blue Ribbon subcommittee led by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta conducted on June 4 a public hearing on the flood control fund scandal.
But the inquiry was not authorized. No officer of the Blue Ribbon Committee secretariat was present to record the proceedings and the testimonies of Marcoleta's 18 resource persons -- former aides of resigned representative Zaldy Co who claimed to have delivered "tainted" money in suitcases to several former and incumbent politicians.
"What a waste of taxpayers' money!" Lacson stressed.