Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Friday said Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga may be used by certain groups to push their own political interests.
This came after Barzaga circulated a photo showing Lacson with Curlee and Sarah Discaya, the contractors linked to the alleged flood control scam.
Lacson clarified that he was only invited by the couple to a campaign rally during the 2025 elections but declined since the Discayas were political rivals of his friend’s relative, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
“Anong masama kung nagpapicture taking? Kayakap ko ba si Mrs. Discaya? Kayakap ko ba si Curlee Discaya? Close ba kami? Magkalayo pa nga kami sa picture, parang may puwang. Doon mo makikita ‘yung malice,” Lacson told DZMM in an interview on Thursday.
He added that the malicious intent was clear: “Of course ginamit nila si Kiko Barzaga kasi siya ‘yung nag-post pero paano malalaman ni Kiko Barzaga kung walang nagleak sa kanya?”
On Friday, Lacson also expressed sympathy for Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga, the lawmaker’s mother.
“I feel for our dear friend, Mayor Jenny Barzaga. As the mayor of Dasmariñas City, she must have her hands full serving her constituents. The last thing she needs is the evil-mindedness of people who use her son Kiko’s mental state to advance their self-seeking political agenda,” Lacson said in a post on X.