Lacson denies ‘personal vendetta’ vs. Arroyo over budget impasse

Lacson said his allegation of pork barrel in the 2019 budget is beyond any individual, much less the Speaker. (PNA File Photo)

MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday denied a House leader’s allegation that he is holding the proposed 2019 national budget hostage due to his “personal vendetta” against Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Lacson said his allegation of pork barrel in the 2019 budget is beyond any individual, much less the Speaker.

“This is not about Speaker Arroyo. This is not about any congressman or senator. This is about my personal crusade against the pork barrel system,” Lacson said.

“This is about the national budget, which is the lifeblood of our country,” he added.

Earlier in the day, House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Anthony Bravo said Lacson does not want Arroyo to be “successful” in her leadership as the Speaker.

“The way I look at it, in my own assessment, Sen. Ping Lacson is holding the budget hostage because of personal vendetta to our Speaker GMA. He has not said anything good against the Speaker, from the very start of her leadership as Speaker,” Bravo said.

Lacson described Bravo’s opinion as a reflection of the congressman’s true character.

“That only reflects the true attitude and real character of Cong. Bravo. Kasi kung ganoon ang line of thinking niya, ganoon siya (If that is his line of thinking, then that is what he is). I’m a very forgiving person. I have forgiven all those who had wronged me in the past,” Lacson said.

Lacson earlier said Senate President Vicente Sotto III will not sign an enrolled copy of the budget bill for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature if the lower chamber insists on the amendments it made after ratification of the bicameral conference committee report.