Tito Sotto reacts to Imee Marcos leaving their Senate group chat

• Senate President Tito Sotto downplayed Senator Imee Marcos leaving the senators’ group chat and said he was not attacking anyone while focusing on quake aid

• Imee Marcos left after Senator Ping Lacson suggested she attend hearings and read updates to avoid confusion about the flood control probe

• Marcos alleged that the group chat was toxic and accused senators of focusing on infighting rather than real work

• She highlighted her legislative accomplishments including three new laws international treaties and a proposed Cooperative Code

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III downplayed Senator Imee Marcos’ decision to leave the senators’ group chat, following her tirade against what she described as infighting among colleagues.

In a message to reporters, Sotto clarified that he had not been maligning or attacking anyone, stressing that several senators were focused on sending aid to Cebu and other quake-hit areas.

“Wala din ako sinisiraan at inaapi. Some of us have already sent help in Cebu and other areas affected. So I am not privy to what and who she means. But then, everybody is entitled to his/her opinion,” Sotto said.

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Marcos reportedly left the chat group after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson quipped that she should attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, listen to the sessions, and read the announcements in the group chat to avoid confusion about the ongoing flood control probe. Lacson’s remarks came after Marcos raised doubts on whether the committee would still push through with its investigation.

In a fiery statement, Marcos explained her exit by criticizing the group chat’s alleged “toxic” atmosphere. “IMEE HAS LEFT THE GROUP. Bakit? Ano ba ang laman ng groupchat? ng session? ng hearing? Hindi ba’t panggigipit lang sa kapwa senador? … Ngayon, ito ang inaatupag, SIRAAN, na mas malala pa sa lindol. Ayoko dyan,” she declared. Marcos argued that instead of petty squabbles, senators should focus on real legislative work, citing her record of passing three laws since her election—including the Barangay and SK term extension, Konektadong Pinoy, and Libreng Libing—as well as international treaties and a proposed Cooperative Code.

Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is a veteran Filipino politician and former police officer who has built a reputation for his strong stance against corruption and government inefficiency. He first rose to prominence as Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 1999 to 2001, where he was credited with implementing internal reforms and instilling discipline within the force. Lacson later served multiple terms as a senator, earning recognition for his thorough scrutiny of the national budget, where he consistently exposed questionable allocations and “pork barrel” insertions. Known for his tough, no-nonsense style, he has been one of the most vocal advocates of transparency, accountability, and good governance, and he has also run for the presidency of the Philippines more than once.

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In a previous report, the Palace said Sen. Marcoleta must answer questions on his wife’s alleged link to Discayas. Edna Marcoleta was allegedly linked to the Milestone Guaranty bond for the flood control project, according to Bilyonaryo. Son Paolo Henry insists she is only an “independent director” at Stronghold Insurance. Some senators said they are wary of Marcoleta’s push to make the Discayas state witnesses.

Earlier, Senators Ping Lacson and Rodante Marcoleta clashed during and even after a Senate flood control hearing. Dispute centered on Lacson’s view that ex-DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez was more credible as a state witness than the Discayas Marcoleta argued against “prejudging” while Lacson asked him about supposedly being “protective of the Discayas”. Despite objections, Lacson resumed the session and allowed ex-engineer Henry Alcantara to testify.

Source: KAMI.com.gh