Senator-elect Panfilo "Ping" Lacson dismissed claims that he met with Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that doing so would constitute the "height of impropriety."
During an exclusive interview at DZRH's Balansyado, Lacson emphasized that it would be extremely inappropriate for a senator, particularly one who will act as a senator-judge, to meet with someone facing an impeachment trial.
Lacson clarified, however, that under ordinary circumstances, there is nothing inappropriate about making a courtesy call to the country's second-highest official, noting that he did the same in 2016 with then-Vice President Leni Robredo.
"Para sa akin, napaka-improper para sa isang Senador o uupong Senador para makipag-meet sa isang nasasakdal o haharap sa impeachment case," said Lacson.
"Having said that, wala namang masama under normal circumstances. Walang masama kung nag-courtesy call kami sa second highest official of the land. Katunayan noong 2016 nag-courtesy call ako kay Vice President Leni Robredo kasi siya ‘yung nahalal na Bise President at ako’y nahalal naman bilang Senador. So wala akong nakitang problema," he added.
He added that should he receive an invitation to meet, he would respectfully turn it down. He also explained that it would not be proper, given the current situation.
"But it doesn’t mean na disrespectful ako sa Vice President na si Sara Duterte," he stated.
Noting that he is unsure where the rumors originated, Lacson said it does not matter to him where the idea came from. He maintained his position that meeting with her would be improper.
The basis for deciding on the impeachment case
Meanwhile, the senator-elect reiterated that the only basis for the judgment should be the evidence presented, noting that they should emulate the blindfolded Lady Justice to avoid any bias.
He also pointed out that there is a widespread perception that an impeachment trial is merely a political exercise.
"Granting na political exercise, pero napakahirap magpaliwanag sa ating mga kababayan na kulang ang ebidensya, and yet magco-convict ka. On the other hand, napakapangit din na kitang-kita ang ebidensya, napakaliwanag tapos mag-a-acquit ka," said Lacson.
"Dapat ‘yun ang maging panuntunan naming lahat, kaming 24 senators, na uupo bilang Senator-Judges sa ebidensya na titingnan namin. Isantabi na muna namin ang mga political alliances pagdating sa impeachment trial," he added.
Political alliances will have no bearing on the judgment
Lacson assured that his political affiliation would have no bearing on his judgment in the upcoming impeachment trial.
It is worth noting that Lacson was part of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the administration-backed slate endorsed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during the 2025 midterm elections.
On how the Senate will handle both political and practical matters, he reiterated that they can fulfill their legislative duties while also fulfilling their constitutional responsibility.
He pointed out that acting as senators and as an impeachment court are separate roles that cannot be ignored.
"Pwede naman naming pag-usapan, balansehin namin sa pokus kung ano ang iallocate namin na oras para sa impeachment trial, at kung ilan naman ang iaallocate namin na oras within one week para sa aming legislative duties o functions," he added.
In February, the House of Representatives moved to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte on high crime charges, including an alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the reported misuse of confidential funds while she was leading the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The impeachment trial of Duterte is tentatively set for July 30 under the 20th Congress. A two-thirds majority is needed for conviction, which means Duterte needs a minimum of nine votes to keep her position.
