MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said an old photograph showing him with Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya II is being circulated to undermine his credibility as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigating anomalies in flood control projects.

“The fact that it is being circulated only means that it intended to besmirch my reputation and credibility in chairing the Blue Ribbon Committee on the flood control project anomalies,” Lacson said.

He clarified that the photo was taken during the 2025 campaign period when a Davao City-based supporter, Fred Villaroman, brought the couple to his Taguig office. Villaroman is the son of the late P/Brig. Gen. Francisco Villaroman, a former police officer under Lacson who later headed the security detail of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the Blue Ribbon committee hearings that I met them. That meeting took around 15 to 20 minutes but not before that group photo was taken,” Lacson explained.

During the meeting, Lacson said he was invited to a rally of the Pinoy Ako party-list group, where the Discayas’ son was a nominee, but he declined the invitation. He noted that attending would have placed him in an awkward position since Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s nephew, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, was running for reelection against Mrs. Discaya.

Lacson added that he also avoided attending any party-list rallies at the time, as several groups had already included his name in their sample ballots.

He stressed that no campaign funds were involved. “I did not receive, nor did the Discayas offer any campaign contribution in whatever form,” he said.

“I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph,” he added.