Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson has accused Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano of compromising the Senate's integrity by opting for Facebook livestreams over presiding in regular sessions, which remain stalled.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson criticized Cayetano's consistent absence from the session hall and his alleged verbal suspension of sessions, suggesting that the Senate's leadership has become the very challenge it purports to resist. Lacson expressed his frustration on X, questioning the appropriateness of a Senate President who avoids regular sessions and instead addresses the public through social media platforms like Facebook.

Lacson pointed out that while Cayetano previously indicated that the Senate was under threat, it is now being undermined by its leadership. He alleged that Cayetano verbally informed majority bloc members and Senate staff about the suspension of sessions without formal notification, which deviates from standard Senate procedures.

Lacson argued that Cayetano's actions could be seen as dereliction of duty, potentially warranting scrutiny by the Senate ethics committee. He emphasized that any taxpayer with sufficient grounds could file a complaint against the Senate President for failing to fulfill his responsibilities.

The minority bloc recently called for Cayetano's resignation due to the ongoing absence of the majority bloc from sessions. Lacson urged majority senators to attend the last session before the Senate adjourns sine die, highlighting the importance of addressing pending legislative items.

Despite Cayetano's claims that the minority aimed to seize control of key Senate committees, Lacson dismissed these allegations as mere excuses for the stalled sessions.