MANILA — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said previous transitions in Senate leadership had generally been carried out with professionalism and statesmanship, except for one former Senate leader whom he accused of causing legislative gridlock in an effort to remain in power.

In a post on X, Lacson recalled several changes in Senate leadership over the years, citing transitions from former Senate President Franklin Drilon to Manuel Villar in 2006, Villar to Juan Ponce Enrile in 2008, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in 2018, Francis Escudero to Sotto in September 2025, Sotto to Alan Peter Cayetano in May 2026, and most recently to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on June 17, 2026.

“STATESMEN ALL, EXCEPT ONE — I’ve seen the ‘changing of the guard’ in the Senate many, many times. Frank Drilon to Manny Villar in 2006; Manny Villar to Juan Ponce Enrile in 2008… Koko Pimentel to Tito Sotto in 2018… Chiz Escudero to Tito in September 2025; Tito to Alan Cayetano in May 2026; finally, to Sherwin Gatchalian on June 17, 2026. Save for the last one, everyone else relinquished their posts with exemplary statesmanship and professionalism,” Lacson said.

Lacson singled out former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, saying he was the only Senate leader who disrupted the chamber’s work because of his refusal to give up the position.

According to Lacson, Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency from Sotto on May 11. During his 28 days in office, the Senate became involved in several controversies, and P700 million in public funds was allegedly wasted.

Cayetano also headed a boycott of Senate sessions by members of the minority bloc from June 1 to 3. However, the attendance of Escudero during the June 3 session allowed the Senate to proceed with a meeting where Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate president.

Despite being removed from the post during the June 3 session, Cayetano maintained that he remained the “legitimate, legal, and moral” Senate president and joined most members of the new minority bloc in filing a petition before the Supreme Court seeking recognition of his claim.

After Gatchalian was formally elected Senate president during a special Senate session on June 17, Cayetano continued to criticize members of the majority bloc through Facebook Live broadcasts, according to Lacson.