Lacson, Marcoleta trade barbs anewMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is acting as a mouthpiece for China and detained contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said yesterday. Delivering a privilege speech to “shut the whole political circus down,” Lacson fired back at Marcoleta and his month’s worth of potshots regarding Lacson’s Blue Ribbon committee chairmanship and the West Philippine Sea. Marcoleta denied accusations of being pro-China and described Lacson’s speech as full of “ad hominem” attacks that do not address the issues. Aside from playing a video compilation of Marcoleta supposedly defending the Discayas, Lacson recalled Marcoleta’s suggestion that the country give up the Kalayaan Island Group. As for the 18 men claiming to have delivered kickback money to President Marcos and other state officials, Marcoleta tried to corner Lacson into scheduling a Blue Ribbon inquiry.

Source: Philippine Star March 10, 2026 16:34 UTC