MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson criticized Senator Rodante Marcoleta for what he described as “hypocrisy” in applying parliamentary and inter-parliamentary courtesy, invoking it selectively when it suits his interests.

In a privilege speech, Lacson pointed out that Marcoleta opposed the use of inter-parliamentary courtesy when inviting House members, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, to Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, yet insisted that parliamentary courtesy be observed in fast-tracking the 2024 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

“Such hypocrisy. Such a double standard. Such a farce that does not dignify an answer, Mr. President,’” Lacson said.

Lacson recalled that Marcoleta had questioned why inter-parliamentary courtesy was being invoked to “prevent” Romualdez from attending hearings on anomalous flood control projects. Yet in 2024, he insisted in the House of Representatives that budget deliberations for the OVP be halted, citing parliamentary courtesy.

“Parliamentary procedures, Madam Chair, grow from or are enriched by tradition, experiences, and precedence… You may not like the person. You may not like her presence here. But you have to respect the Office of the Vice President. That is all. Because that is guided by the tradition. Kahapon po, gaya po ng sinabi nila, wala ng ipinagtanong sa Office of the President and that is correct. That is in line with the tradition,” Lacson recalled Marcoleta saying at the time.

Lacson also questioned whether Marcoleta would maintain his stance on disregarding inter-parliamentary courtesy if a probe were initiated on his Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) amid alleged discrepancies. He noted that Marcoleta, though claiming the contributions for his senatorial bid were received before he became a candidate, was still a public official at the time as a representative of the SAGIP party-list, and could be liable for indirect bribery.

“Would the honorable senator stand by his position to disregard inter-parliamentary courtesy? If his former colleagues were to issue a subpoena, a show-cause order, or even a warrant of arrest, would he still argue about the relevance of inter-parliamentary courtesy?” Lacson asked.