Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson pushed back on a remark by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano referring to him as a “dog,” as tensions escalated within the Senate over alleged political maneuvering among rival blocs.

Cayetano, speaking during a livestreamed “fellowship lunch” on June 19, criticized several colleagues and suggested coordinated actions against his group. In the course of his remarks, he took aim at Lacson while discussing shifting alliances and loyalty within the chamber.

“Kung sasabihin mong tuta [si Sen. Erwin], ano si Sen. Lacson? Hindi na po tuta si Sen. Lacson, aso na po siya, matagal na po,” Cayetano said.

Lacson responded a day later, rejecting the characterization and turning the remark back on Cayetano.

“Aso? I will never admit that,” Lacson said in an online post June 20.

“Pero, siya — ‘Kuya Ping’ ang tawag niya sa akin — matagal na… Self-admission yata ang tawag dun.”

The exchange follows Cayetano’s broader claim that a “systematic attack” is underway within the Senate, alleging that certain lawmakers have been coordinating to undermine his bloc and shape narratives against them.

Cayetano also questioned the integrity of some ongoing political disputes and procedures, describing them as selective and influenced by external pressures.

The public back-and-forth highlights deepening divisions in the 24-member Senate, where competing factions have recently traded accusations over influence, loyalty, and legislative conduct.