MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson dismissed as fake news a social media post claiming that another leadership change is looming in the Senate.

Lacson branded the post by “OneTV Philippines” as “faky breaky news,” saying it was “intended to deceive and confuse” the public and “underestimating the intelligence of the new Senate majority bloc.”

“Malevolent, underhanded, foul and desperate. Kung may song na ‘Achy Breaky Hearts,’ eto naman—‘Faky Breaky News,’” Lacson said.

The post, uploaded Saturday night with the caption “BREAKING: Another Regodon (sic) in the Senate?” alleged that Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano had secured enough numbers to assume the Senate presidency.

Lacson stressed that any change in Senate leadership must follow proper procedure, not through media speculation. “The proper and professional way is to call or approach the Senate president, inform and show him the resolution signed by at least 13 senators, then the sitting Senate President resigns at the opening of the session,” he said.

The Senate underwent a leadership change on September 8, with then-minority leader Vicente Sotto III elected Senate President, while Lacson was chosen as Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chair.