Senator Panfilo Lacson denies allegations about doubling his net worth, countering accusations with claims against Senator Alan Peter Cayetano regarding substantial budget insertions in the 2025 national expenditure.
On July 18, 2026, Senator Panfilo Lacson publicly refuted claims made by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano suggesting that Lacson’s net worth had doubled. In a statement, Lacson characterized Cayetano’s allegations as inaccurate and instead accused Cayetano of orchestrating P6.79 billion worth of insertions—reallocations or additions—in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Lacson emphasized that since becoming a senator, he has not received any budget ‘insertions’ or ‘pork barrel’ funds, nor has he accepted lobby money in relation to his legislative duties.
The dispute arose during a Facebook Live broadcast by Cayetano, who also questioned the arrests of several minority senators accused of corruption, labeling them as political prisoners. Within that context, Cayetano raised doubts about Lacson’s and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Erwin Tulfo’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), implying irregularities. Lacson countered that his wealth growth stemmed legitimately from private business activities after his government service, supported by his income tax returns.
Further intensifying the debate, Lacson claimed two projects totaling P75 million—allegedly part of Cayetano’s P6.79 billion insertions—remain incomplete. He also criticized Cayetano’s eagerness to call for investigations, pointing out ongoing questionable activities within Cayetano’s own political jurisdiction of Taguig City. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse and manipulation of government budgets, particularly amid investigations into alleged flood control project scams where billions were reportedly siphoned via substandard or non-existent projects.
Efforts to obtain a response from Cayetano’s office were underway at the time of this report. The issue of budget insertions has been a flashpoint in recent budget deliberations, with concerns about realignments differing significantly from the proposed National Expenditure Program.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/995335/lacson-denies-net-worth-doubled-accuses-alan-peter-cayetano-of-p6-79-b-insertions/story/