Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Saturday said the Senate is facing a sharp decline in public trust, acknowledging that its reputation has sunk to a “very low” level amid mounting criticism over recent controversies and corruption allegations.
Speaking on DZRH’s Special on Saturday, Lacson admitted that negative public perception of the chamber is evident and largely driven by the recent events and revelations in social issues.
“Aminin man namin o hindi, talagang mababang-mababa ang perception ng ating mga kababayan sa Senado sa ngayon. At yun nga nakakalungkot,” Lacson said.
Lacson said the backlash is not limited to online commentary, acknowledging that various sectors — including business leaders, student councils and civic organizations — have issued statements condemning the Senate over recent developments.
He said the public's frustration goes beyond last week’s incidents in the chamber and reflects deeper concerns about alleged corruption involving lawmakers.
“Yun sa tingin ko isang pinakamalaking dahilan, yung corruption issues,” he said.
Lacson pointed out that while the pork barrel system was previously struck down as unconstitutional, allocations being discussed now have reportedly ballooned to billions and even tens of billions of pesos.
“Nung buhay pa yung pork barrel, hindi pa nade-declare na unconstitutional. 200 million per senator, 120 million or 70 million per congressman.”
“Kung kailan na-declined na unconstitutional, umabot ng billion. Hindi lamang billion, tens of billions bawat isa.”
He also raised concerns about shifting dynamics within the Senate, particularly the role of the Senate president, saying the position should represent the entire chamber — not just the majority bloc.
“Itong mga nakaraang mga panahon, para bang yung Senate President, parang siya na lang yung Senate President ng mayorya. Medyo hindi na maganda yung transition, yung transformation,” he said.
Lacson recalled that under previous Senate leaders, all-senator caucuses were regularly attended by both majority and minority members, with discussions held openly regardless of political alignment.
“Hindi mo ma-distinguish sa arrangement ng upuan, sa sitting arrangements, kung sino yung majority-minority kasi magkatabi, halo-halo. Pero ngayon, pag nasa lounge kami, kitang-kita mo kung sino yung majority, kung sino yung minority,” he said.
Lacson said the Senate must first undergo internal reflection before it can restore its damaged standing with the Filipino public.
He proposed holding a chamber-wide retreat and engaging in collective soul-searching, taking inspiration from a workshop led by former Senate President Jovito Salonga in Pansol, Laguna, after the 1989 coup attempt.
“Kailangan siguro magkaroon kami ng self-reflection. Suriin namin ’yung aming mga sarili individually and collectively para pag-isipan namin papaano namin ibabangon ’yung kapurihan ng Senado,” he said.
Amid the situation, Lacson said such an initiative could help restore trust and unity within the institution.
He stressed the need to restore unity and institutional integrity in the Senate, as public dissatisfaction continues to grow.
