Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and former Senator Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is a “pathetic absentee solon,” former Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday in reaction to Santiago’s latest rant over a proposal for him to help the Senate investigate the pork barrel scam.
“She’s nothing but a pathetic absentee solon, who will soon be facing corruption charges in the Sandiganbayan,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.
Citing information from a reliable source, the former senator claimed that Santiago has been approaching people, who could influence Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to drop the corruption charges she is facing before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Unfortunately for her, the Ombudsman is one uncompromising, gutsy lady, who cannot be cowed or bought,” said Lacson.
“I think her (Santiago) only way out is to invoke her insanity,” the former senator added.
Lacson was reacting to Santiago’s statements, questioning his credibility as a special, independent investigator into the pork barrel scam as proposed by Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.
Santiago, in a statement, repeatedly referred to the former senator as “Pinky” Lacson.