Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson

Senate President Pro Tempore and Former Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman

Appears in 1 story

Office: Member of the Senate of the Philippines

Born: June 1, 1948, Imus

Education: Lyceum of the Philippines University, Philippine Military Academy, University of the City of Manila

Previous offices: Chief of the Philippine National Police

Last updated Nov 2, 2026

Stories

Philippines slashes discretionary spending amid flood control scandal

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Resigned as Blue Ribbon chair after revealing scale of Senate insertions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a $115 billion budget on January 5, 2026, while vetoing $1.6 billion in unprogrammed appropriations—slashing discretionary funds to their lowest level since 2019. The veto follows scandal over phantom flood control projects: former lawmaker Zaldy Co admitted to inserting $1.69 billion into the 2025 budget, implicating Marcos's cousin, then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in an alleged kickback scheme.

Updated May 19