MANILA – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday questioned the sincerity of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano after claiming the latter privately sought a “ceasefire” but later publicly denied making such an overture.

In separate interviews on DZBB and True FM, Lacson alleged that Cayetano asked several members of the Senate majority bloc to relay his request for a ceasefire and to refocus the chamber on legislative work.

Asked whether it was Cayetano who initiated the supposed peace overture, Lacson replied, “That is correct, absolutely.”

According to Lacson, the alleged efforts began last week when Cayetano reportedly approached at least five senators individually to seek an end to the dispute. He added that the overtures intensified earlier this week, with Cayetano allegedly asking one senator to convey the request on his behalf.

Lacson said the matter was discussed during the majority bloc’s caucus and fellowship on Wednesday, where he raised concerns about Cayetano’s intentions.

“I said let’s first see if he can show good faith before we even consider giving any attention or room to the offer of a ceasefire,” Lacson said.

He claimed Cayetano later undermined his own proposal by publicly denying that any ceasefire offer had been made.

“Where is your sincerity when you offer a ceasefire, then deny it at the first opportunity?” Lacson said.

The senator also cited what he described as another instance of inconsistency, alleging that Cayetano privately asked Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Erwin Tulfo not to proceed with hearings on the alleged flood control anomalies, but later questioned Tulfo’s account in public.

“Where is the sincerity?” Lacson said.

Lacson also dismissed Cayetano’s call for the Senate to return its focus to legislative work, saying it was ironic because the former Senate president’s leadership move last May 11 had disrupted the chamber’s operations.

“He claims we should get back to work. In the first place, who disrupted and continues to disrupt the Senate’s work?” he said.

He added that the Senate has continued its legislative work since the election of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore on June 3 and later as Senate President on June 17.

According to Lacson, Senate committees have already been organized, legislative inquiries are underway, and he has begun performing his duties as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, including attending a Department of Finance briefing in preparation for the committee’s agenda.