Restoring transparency and stamping out corruption may be the Senate's best bet to win back the public's trust amid plunging ratings, according to veteran lawmaker and anti-corruption advocate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson.

Lacson, in a television interview, acknowledged that the Senate’s drop in both trust and performance ratings could be tied to controversial issues that have stirred public frustration, including alleged “pork” insertions in the national budget and the divisive impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“It could have been a factor, rightly or wrongly. That is the public's perception because that is what people see or read daily. It's a combination of so many factors, so we must be careful,” he said.

A July 12–17 survey by Octa Research found that public trust in the Senate fell from 57% to 49%, while its performance rating dipped from 53% to 47%.

The sharp decline coincided with reports linking several senators to P142 billion in last-minute “bicam insertions” and criticism over the perceived mishandling of Duterte’s impeachment case.

Still, Lacson expressed cautious optimism, pointing to recent moves within the Senate aimed at boosting transparency.

He praised the chamber’s decision to open up the budget process, extending scrutiny to the bicameral conference committee stage.

“I hope these efforts toward transparency will be sustained and we will not have a ‘bulungan bicam’ for the 2026 budget,” Lacson added, using a term often used to describe secretive, closed-door budget negotiations.

He also noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s July 28 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which publicly called out questionable legislative practices, added pressure on lawmakers to act more transparently.

Lacson vowed to maintain his watchdog role in the Senate, particularly on budget oversight and flood control spending.

He earlier flagged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for receiving over P2 trillion in funding for flood mitigation projects since 2011, with little to show for it.

“Despite the massive budget allocations, flooding remains a persistent problem. There must be accountability,” Lacson said, adding that he is preparing a privilege speech or will actively participate in committee hearings on the issue.