Cayetanos back from Singapore; Alan accuses Lacson of ‘persecution’

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: Alan Peter Cayetano Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines — Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano returned to the Philippines Saturday night after a brief trip to Singapore that drew scrutiny amid ongoing investigations involving alleged irregularities in Taguig City and the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Hours after returning, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano went on Facebook Live and accused Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson of unfairly targeting him, his family, and their political bailiwick of Taguig.

“Perhaps we didn’t think it would be this severe, that there would be this much hardships, this much accusations, that is being done by Sen. Lacson,” Cayetano said.

He described the situation as “persecution” directed not only at him and his family but also at Taguig.

The two senators have been engaged in an increasingly public dispute over alleged anomalies involving infrastructure and flood-control projects in the city.

Lacson has submitted documentary and testimonial evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman concerning alleged irregularities in Taguig, including what he described as flood-control projects used to disguise unauthorized reclamation activities along Laguna de Bay. The Ombudsman is evaluating the information submitted for possible further investigation.

Cayetano has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly accused Lacson of conducting a politically motivated “demolition job” and trial by publicity.

His Singapore trip also attracted attention because of the ongoing investigations.

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano left the Philippines on Sept. 9, but said there were no hold-departure orders or derogatory records that would legally prevent either senator from traveling.

Alan Peter said after returning that the trip was private and intended to give his family a brief break, describing it as a routine and short overseas visit.

The National Bureau of Investigation earlier said it saw no legal problem with the trip, although NBI Director Melvin Matibag acknowledged that its timing had drawn public attention.

The NBI is separately investigating alleged irregularities surrounding the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, including the use of public funds and transactions involving the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee.

Alan Peter Cayetano served as chairman of the organizing body during preparations for the Games. The NBI has said it is examining documents and the roles of officials involved but has emphasized that its investigation does not presume anyone guilty.

Meanwhile, Pia Cayetano said her trip to Singapore was planned to support the Philippine national padel team during a tune-up competition ahead of the Asian Games.

She rejected suggestions that she was hiding or avoiding scrutiny, saying she had no reason to do so.

The Cayetano siblings returned Saturday evening, with Alan Peter saying after their arrival that he wanted less political intrigue surrounding what he described as an ordinary private trip.