Ping Lacson to detractors: 'Shut the f— up'

January 19, 2026 | 2:23pm

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson had one blunt message for his critics: “Shut the f— up.”

Lacson has been locked in a word war with Sen. Imee Marcos, who accused him of blocking senators from attending the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on the flood control mess — a claim that Lacson said is belied by the presence of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Marcos' ally, in the discussions.

Marcos’ criticism of Lacson escalated after he accused her of benefiting from pork barrel allocations in the 2025 budget. She, in turn, made insinuations about Lacson's sexuality while failing to directly address the pork barrel allegations.

In his opening remarks at the hearing on Monday, January 19, Lacson addressed critics who have described the Senate inquiry as unfair or fruitless.

Without naming Marcos, Lacson said the hearings had exposed a corruption scheme at the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, citing testimonies from key officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

"Your committee became the stage for shocking and scathing revelations made by key actors of the flood control scam," Lacson said. "We conducted these hearings with fairness and integrity, which encouraged those with the truth to come forward, while others became unsure of which path to take."

He stressed that the panel follows the evidence wherever it leads.

"We do not target any particular person, nor do we intend to cover up for anyone," Lacson said. "What we uncovered was a top-to-bottom systemic misuse and abuse of public funds involving high officials in the executive and legislative branches, and even the Commission on Audit."

The veteran lawmaker added that the hearings have already resulted in cases being filed before the Sandiganbayan, as well as reforms aimed at improving transparency, including the livestreaming of the 2026 bicameral conference committee proceedings.

Dismissing the Senate inquiry as useless was an insult to Filipinos who have protested alleged corruption, he said.

"Your noise will not silence the truth," Lacson said. "It will not help our investigation. Your noise cannot convict — and it will not even indict the perpetrators of this flood control mess. Only evidence can do that."

He ended his remarks with a profanity directed at his detractors.

"With all that being said - as the Chairman of this committee - I say to you: Shut the f… up!"

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