Lacson denies ties to flood control contractors

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has denied any ties to contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are under investigation for alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

He explained that an old photograph circulating online showing him with the Discaya couple was taken during the final week of the 2025 election campaign period at his Taguig City office.

Lacson stated this was the first and only time he met the couple outside of the Blue Ribbon committee hearings, and the meeting lasted about 15-20 minutes.

A campaign supporter, Fred Villaroman, arranged the meeting, bringing the Discayas' son to his office to invite Lacson to a rally for the Pinoy Ako party-list, for which their son was a nominee.

Lacson declined the invitation out of respect for Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, whose nephew, Vico Sotto, was running against Mrs. Discaya for Pasig City mayor.

He also cited political considerations, as other party-list groups were including his name in their sample ballots.