Lacson Breaks Silence on Tense Senate Clash With Marcoleta
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson expressed feeling satisfied after a heated exchange with Senator Rodante Marcoleta during a Senate session on March 10, 2026.
The tension began when Marcoleta questioned Lacson about Administrative Order No. 29, signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2012. When asked if he was familiar with the order, Lacson admitted he was not and stated he was not interested in learning about it. Marcoleta pressed, pointing out that the issue concerned the West Philippine Sea, but Lacson dismissed the remarks, explaining that discussions on the topic often framed China as having rights to the area, which he found frustrating and unpleasant to hear.
“Hindi po ako interesado sa sinasabi ninyo […] Kasi po, Mr. President, ang ipapalabas na naman niya [ay] ‘yong Tsina ang may karapatan sa lugar na ‘yan. Kaya ayoko na pong marinig ‘yan. Medyo masakit na sa tainga,” Lacson said.
Afterwards, Lacson told the media on March 11 that he actually felt good about the encounter, saying that Marcoleta repeatedly targeted and criticized him, but he had been holding back his responses for a long time. Lacson recalled listening to Marcoleta’s privilege speech the previous week but chose not to react, even seeking advice from the Senate Majority Leader, who suggested ignoring the provocations.
“I feel good. Kasi it’s been quite of fun and numerous times, wala naman talaga siyang ginawa kundi i-target ako, atakihin ako, i-bad mouth ako. Ay matagal na akong nagtitimpi,” he said.
However, when Marcoleta made further comments on March 9, Lacson decided it was time to respond. He explained that drafting his speech with his staff kept him up late into the night, finishing around midnight, which made him frustrated but determined to address the repeated attacks. Lacson emphasized that his response was not out of anger but a matter of standing up after holding his composure for a long time.
Related Post: Ping Lacson To Rodante Marcoleta: “Are you trying to steal the show this morning?”