Senator Lacson Refutes Meeting Allegations With Vice President Duterte
Senator-elect Panfilo “Ping” Lacson firmly denied rumors about a meeting with Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the claims “false” and “outrightly malicious.” These allegations, circulating recently, suggested that Lacson and another senator-elect had met with the Vice President, but Lacson swiftly dismissed these reports.
“I have been receiving reports that I and another senator-elect in the May 2025 elections recently met with Vice President Sara Duterte,” Lacson stated. “I vehemently deny and dismiss such rumor as absolutely false and outright malicious for one simple reason only: As an elected senator who is a potential senator-judge in the impeachment trial involving the Vice President should the said trial cross over to the 20th Congress.”
He emphasized that it would be highly improper for him to meet with Vice President Duterte, considering she is already a respondent in the impeachment case that has been transmitted to the Senate. “It is the height of impropriety to meet with her, being a respondent in the said impeachment case already transmitted to the Senate,” Lacson added.
Context on Courtesy Calls and Impeachment Proceedings
Despite his strong denial, Lacson noted that it is customary and acceptable for newly elected officials to pay courtesy visits to high-ranking government leaders. He recalled his own experience, saying, “Under normal circumstances, I find nothing wrong if newly elected senators or congressmen paid a courtesy call on the second highest official of the land, which I actually did with then Vice President (Leni) Robredo when I won my third term in 2016.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has expressed confidence that the 20th Congress will be responsible for deciding the fate of Vice President Duterte’s impeachment case.
Incoming Senators and Legislative Outlook
Lacson is set to join eleven other senators-elect who secured their seats in the May 2025 elections. The group includes Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Senator Pia Cayetano, Erwin Tulfo, Camille Villar, Rodante Marcoleta, former senators Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV, Francis “Kiko” Pangilnan, Vicente Sotto III, and Manuel “Lito” Lapid.
As the new Senate prepares to convene, all eyes will be on how they handle pressing issues such as the impeachment proceedings involving the Vice President.
For more news and updates on senator meeting with vice president, visit Filipinokami.com.