Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson says the Senate spent an estimated P700 million during the 28 days when Alan Peter Cayetano served as Senate President, calling the period a “waste” of taxpayers’ money. In posts on X, Lacson describes the time as marked by political turmoil and legislative inaction, citing what he characterizes as “chaos,” including episodes involving gunfire, a reported escape by “Bato” despite an International Criminal Court-issued warrant while under what he terms “protective custody,” and a session boycott. He also points to what he describes as a failed destabilization attempt and “unauthorized committee hearings,” which he says were highlighted by at least one committee proceeding not chaired by, and not attended by, any senator. The reports frame Lacson’s figures and claims as criticism of Cayetano’s leadership during the Senate leadership standoff, emphasizing the estimated cost to the public and the lack of sustained legislative output during that period. The coverage does not present countervailing figures or an official accounting from the Senate in the excerpts provided.