Ping: I’m straight, without face enhancementSenate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, leads the launch of the probe into extortion and other abuses at the Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Imee Marcos resumed their word war yesterday by trading barbs about sexuality and cosmetic enhancements. He emphasized he respects the LGBTQ+ community and considers himself part of the Senate’s “macho bloc,” alongside Senate President Vicente Sotto III and former soldier-senator Gringo Honasan. When Lacson questioned Marcos’ “moral ascendancy” in criticizing the budget, Marcos deflected this by mocking him and hinting at his sexual orientation. Responding to Lacson’s statements, Marcos yesterday denied calling Lacson gay when she said she would lose to a hair pulling match or “sabunutan” with him.

Source: Philippine Star January 14, 2026 16:38 UTC