Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson pushed back at allegations that members of the Senate minority were being intimidated during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying that any discomfort felt by the corrupt only proves his anti-corruption efforts are working.
“If my fight against corruption intimidates the corrupt, I must be doing something right and good for the country,” Lacson wrote on his verified X account (@iampinglacson) on September 14, 2026.
The remark came in response to Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who said on Monday that it was “obvious” who was allegedly behind threats against members of the minority bloc. His sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, separately raised concerns over intimidation directed at senator-judges during Duterte’s trial.
Alan Peter Cayetano had specifically named Lacson while making his point, citing Lacson’s push to conclude the impeachment trial by December and suggesting that those who cross the administration face consequences.
Lacson’s office released a fuller statement on September 15, framing the senator’s position plainly: if his anti-corruption crusade is rattling those with something to hide, that is a sign he is on the right track. Lacson has long built his political identity around an anti-corruption platform, previously vowing to pursue the “big fish” in government rather than only the “small fry.”
The exchange unfolds against the backdrop of Duterte’s second impeachment trial, now in its fourth week, where the prosecution has been presenting witnesses on allegations of unexplained wealth and misuse of confidential funds.
