4 weeks ago
12
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Janvic Mateo - The Philippine Star
May 23, 2026 | 12:00am
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson presides as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumes its public inquiry into the multi-billion-peso flood control anomaly on Jan. 19, 2026.
Senate of the Philippines / Social Media Unit
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday denied claims that there are plans to convene a constituent assembly (con-ass) to amend the Constitution to extend the terms of elected officials or raise the age qualification for presidential candidates.
“It is not true that there will be con-ass to extend the term limit or increase the age qualification for those running for president to prevent Vice President Sara Duterte (from running in 2028),” Lacson said in an interview with “Storycon” on One News.
“Those are all BS. That’s nonsense,” he added.
Lacson said there were only “very preliminary” and informal discussions on possible constitutional amendments, particularly on increasing the number of senators.
“They’re also saying that the age qualification will be raised… that is an outright lie. That was never part of the discussions or deliberations,” he added. “We never discussed that even in our caucuses. We rarely hold caucuses in the minority, and con-ass was never mentioned.”
The senator also questioned where Sen. Imee Marcos was getting her information, noting that the senator’s remarks appeared aimed at discrediting the administration.
“I do not know where those statements are coming from. If they have a solid basis, that is up to them,” he added.
Pure gossip
At the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker Janette Garin likewise dismissed the claims as “pure gossip.”
“There is absolutely no truth to these claims. Public officials should be responsible with their statements because these kinds of rumors only confuse and mislead the public,” Garin said.
She stressed that no such proposal is being discussed in the House of Representatives and warned against using unfounded claims to influence public opinion.
“The impeachment process is already provided for under the Constitution. We should not poison public discourse with imaginary scenarios and conspiracy theories meant to create fear and division,” she said.
House committee on higher and technical education chairman Jude Acidre also called on Senator Marcos to stop spreading “baseless conspiracy theories” and instead focus on her constitutional duties in the upcoming impeachment trial.
“The Filipino people deserve facts, not fear-mongering. Spreading invented conspiracy theories serves no purpose while the Senate has a clear constitutional duty to face as an impeachment court,” Acidre said.
House focused
Amid the political controversy, Speaker Faustino Dy III assured the public that the House remains focused on its legislative mandate, with 38 bills up for possible third and final approval before Congress adjourns session on June 6.
“At the resumption of session, we said that the House must continue to act with purpose, discipline and resolve. What is important now is that we continue fulfilling the work and mandate entrusted to us by the people,” Dy said.
“We will continue focusing on proposed measures that have a direct impact on the lives of Filipinos… In every step taken by the House, our goal is to ensure that our countrymen feel concrete benefits and that their trust in government institutions is maintained,” he added in Filipino. — Daphne Galvez, Marc Jayson Cayabyab
