‘Waste of taxpayers’ money’: Lacson says 28-day Senate standoff under Cayetano cost P700 million (opens original article in a new tab)

Sen. Panfilo Lacson accused former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano of wasting P700 million in taxpayer money during a 28-day leadership standoff, citing daily expenses and legislative inaction, which ended with Sherwin Gatchalian's election as new Senate president.

• Sen. Panfilo Lacson criticized the 28-day Senate leadership standoff under Cayetano, estimating it cost P700 million in taxpayer funds
• Lacson cited P25 million daily expenses based on 2026 General Appropriations Act, multiplied by 28 days of inaction
• The standoff ended on June 17 with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian's election during a special session
• The dispute involved a motion declaring leadership positions vacant and affected legislative operations