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Advocates Philippines
Old Photo, New Accusations: The Real Story Behind Ping Lacson's Meeting With The Discayas
Photo credit: Kiko Barzaga
A photograph showing Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson posing with the Discaya couple has recently resurfaced, causing a stir on social media. But according to the senator, the photo's sudden circulation is a calculated move designed to discredit his ongoing Blue Ribbon Committee probe into flood control project anomalies.
"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 stated.
The Exclusive Story Behind the Photo
The meeting in question happened early in 2025, well before Lacson assumed his current Senate position. The senator has clarified the facts surrounding the now-controversial picture.
The Discayas were brought to Lacson’s Taguig City office by Fred Villaroman, a campaign supporter from Davao City. The purpose of the meeting was for the Discayas to personally invite Senator Lacson to a campaign rally for the Pinoy Ako party list group.
Lacson chose to decline the invitation out of respect for his friend, then-Senate President Vicente Sotto III, whose nephew, Vico Sotto, was running against Mrs. Discaya for Pasig City Mayor. He also felt it wasn't a politically sound decision to join any specific party-list rally, as other groups were also endorsing him.
Crucially, Lacson emphasized that he did not receive, nor did the Discayas offer, any campaign contribution in any form. He also confirmed this was the first and only time he met the Discayas outside of the Blue Ribbon hearings. The short meeting lasted about 15 to 20 minutes, which is when the picture was taken.
The senator stressed that he has never favored or given special treatment to the Discayas during the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.
"I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph," Lacson added, emphasizing that the photo is being weaponized to undermine his credibility as the committee's chairman.
"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 stated.
The Exclusive Story Behind the Photo
The meeting in question happened early in 2025, well before Lacson assumed his current Senate position. The senator has clarified the facts surrounding the now-controversial picture.
The Discayas were brought to Lacson’s Taguig City office by Fred Villaroman, a campaign supporter from Davao City. The purpose of the meeting was for the Discayas to personally invite Senator Lacson to a campaign rally for the Pinoy Ako party list group.
Lacson chose to decline the invitation out of respect for his friend, then-Senate President Vicente Sotto III, whose nephew, Vico Sotto, was running against Mrs. Discaya for Pasig City Mayor. He also felt it wasn't a politically sound decision to join any specific party-list rally, as other groups were also endorsing him.
Crucially, Lacson emphasized that he did not receive, nor did the Discayas offer, any campaign contribution in any form. He also confirmed this was the first and only time he met the Discayas outside of the Blue Ribbon hearings. The short meeting lasted about 15 to 20 minutes, which is when the picture was taken.
The senator stressed that he has never favored or given special treatment to the Discayas during the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.
"I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph," Lacson added, emphasizing that the photo is being weaponized to undermine his credibility as the committee's chairman.
Oct 1, 2025
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