Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Former Senator Panfilo Lacson confirmed the P50-million “incentive” that was allegedly given to senators who voted to convict then Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“Senators who convicted Corona got P50 million, says Estrada…Not me,” Lacson told INQUIRER.net on Wednesday.

“I had no regular PDAF (priority development assistance fund). I didn’t partake of any extra fund in whatever form and for whatever purpose,” he said.

Lacson was among the 20 senators who voted to convict Corona in May 2012.

Asked if he was aware of a “confidential” letter about the additional P50 million that Estrada showed to the Senate in his privilege speech on the floor, Lacson said:

“No, but I confirm the P50 million additional.”

Asked if he knew who were the senators who supposedly accepted the additional amount, the former senator said: I don’t know who received and who didn’t. But I remember the announcement in one caucus.”

Lacson said he openly declined to accept the offer during the caucus, which was called after Corona, was impeached.

“… I need not decline because Drilon and the other knew I would not avail. But I remember declining openly in that caucus,” he said, referring to Senate President Franklin Drilon.

He said it was Drilon, then chairman of the Senate finance committee, who announced about the additional P50 million during the caucus.

“May nagbiro pa nga kung pwede kanya na lang,” Lacson added.

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