To The Manila Times: THIS is in reference to the opinion piece of Rigoberto Tiglao, titled “Lacson defense of Marcos Jr. so stupid, so sickening” and published in The Manila Times on Nov. 21, 2025. The article contains assertions that exceed the bounds of fair political comment and responsible journalism and is, hence, highly actionable.
Lacson’s office calls out Tiglao’s ‘malicious, false’ column
By Letters to the Editor, November 26, 2025
THIS is in reference to the opinion piece of Rigoberto Tiglao, titled “Lacson defense of Marcos Jr. so stupid, so sickening” and published in The Manila Times on Nov. 21, 2025. The article contains assertions that exceed the bounds of fair political comment and responsible journalism and is, hence, highly actionable.
We take exception to the tone and content of the column, which is clearly not an opinion on policy and public interest, but malicious, false and accusatory speculation that seeks to malign Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s reputation.
While Senator Lacson has maintained an exceptional level of tolerance to the high volume and reckless allegations directed at him by Mr. Tiglao over both past and present issues, the column’s imputation of bribery, witness subornation and dishonesty has caused extreme prejudice to the senator’s professional reputation and integrity as an elected public official.
The author explicitly suggests that Senator Lacson may have recruited former undersecretary Bernardo to make false statements to draw the charges away from Marcos “for a price.” This constitutes a clear imputation of grave criminal acts. which the senator strongly and categorically denies as false and malicious.
Further, his use of phrases such as “so stupid, so sickening, grossly ignorant, shameless service to Marcos as PR man” in a widely circulated publication should not be taken as a mere commentary, but rather, a deliberate and malicious effort to subject Senator Lacson to public ridicule and contempt.
We trust that the management of The Manila Times will act upon this letter with the urgency and consideration it demands and take corrective actions to uphold the standards of professionalism and accountability.
Ronald Jay D. Lacson
Chief of Staff
Office of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson