MANILA — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said at least P700 million in public funds was wasted during the 28 days that former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano led the Senate amid a leadership dispute.

According to Lacson, the period was marked by several incidents, including a shooting inside the Senate complex two days after Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency and the escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa while under the chamber’s “protective custody.”

The senator also cited the boycott of Senate sessions by the Cayetano-led bloc after it became the minority when Sen. Francis Escudero joined the new majority, allowing senators to form a quorum and elect Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president on June 3.

Lacson said the period also included what he described as a failed destabilization attempt and unauthorized committee hearings, including one hearing that was not attended by any senator.

“THE PHILIPPINE SENATE in 28 days under Alan Peter Cayetano: Estimated Cost – P700M. Output – chaos, gunfire, Bato’s escape despite ICC-issued warrant while under its ‘protective custody,’ session boycott, failed destabilization attempt, unauthorized committee hearings highlighted by one not presided nor attended by a single senator. WHAT A WASTE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY!” he said on X.

Lacson’s estimate came after Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian earlier noted that the Senate spends about P25 million per day when sessions are stalled and no plenary work is conducted.

Despite the events surrounding the leadership dispute, Lacson expressed hope that the Senate could move forward following the election of Gatchalian and the selection of other Senate officers and committee chairpersons during a special session on Wednesday.

“This is a fresh start. And I hope everybody will cooperate, including the members of the minority,” he said.

In an interview over DZBB radio, Lacson said he expects the Senate to return to normal operations after the special session.

“Hopefully ang calm after the storm nandiyan na (Hopefully we will experience the calm after the storm),” he said.

Lacson added that the special session allowed the confirmation of 85 foreign service officers and five Armed Forces of the Philippines officers whose appointments before the Commission on Appointments had been affected by the Senate leadership conflict.

“Tapos nakapag-organize ng committees (We also managed to organize the committees),” he added.