The issue surfaced during the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs’ continuing investigation into the domestic steel industry and concerns surrounding Chuangxing Steel Incorporated, whose operations have drawn attention following a building collapse in Angeles, Pampanga and complaints raised by workers.
According to ABS-CBN News, Hontiveros questioned Lacson over her connection to Kingsmen Manpower and General Services, a company that reportedly supplied workers to Chuangxing Steel.
Why Hontiveros Is Questioning the Mayor
During the Senate hearing, Hontiveros raised the issue of whether establishing and maintaining a business interest could create a potential conflict of interest for a public official.
Lacson explained that Kingsmen Manpower and General Services was established in October 2019, at a time when she said she was no longer serving as mayor after losing the May 2019 election.
She further told the Senate that the company did not become operational because of the COVID-19 pandemic and that she had already processed the divestment of her full shares and interests before returning as mayor after winning the 2022 election.
However, Hontiveros pointed to documents submitted to the committee indicating that Lacson’s name still appeared in the company’s 2026 General Information Sheet filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The senator questioned why Lacson needed to divest from a company that she said had never become operational.
Lacson denied any continuing business involvement and described her appearance in the 2026 corporate filing as an administrative oversight involving personnel assigned to corporate documentation. She also said delays in company filings may have contributed to the issue. Hontiveros said she would seek clarification from the SEC.
Senate Hearing Brings Conflict of Interest Questions Into Focus
The exchange has placed renewed attention on the rules governing public officials and their business interests.
Department of Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato told the hearing that the issue of conflict of interest and possible violations of prohibitions on local executives engaging in business activities could potentially be examined by the appropriate authorities.
Dato emphasized that public officials are required to divest business interests before assuming office, with such interests potentially reflected in public documents, including Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
The legal and factual questions surrounding Lacson’s business interests, including the timing and validity of her reported divestment, remain subject to further review and verification.
Workers Previously Raised Safety Concerns at Chuangxing Steel
The controversy surrounding Kingsmen Manpower is part of a broader Senate examination of Chuangxing Steel and the conditions experienced by workers.
In an earlier Senate hearing reported by CLTV36, former workers alleged problems involving workplace safety equipment and employee benefits.
One former worker, who said he had worked at Chuangxing for three years under Kingsmen Manpower and General Services, alleged that workers lacked harnesses and other safety equipment while performing tasks in elevated areas of the plant.
Another worker reportedly described a workplace accident involving machinery. These are allegations and accounts raised during the ongoing public scrutiny and have been reported as such.
Other Groups Have Raised Separate Allegations
The issue has also drawn attention outside the Senate.
The United Pilipinos Against Crime and Corruption, or UPACC, recently announced plans to pursue complaints involving alleged graft, conflict of interest and other possible violations against Lacson and other local officials.
UPACC’s allegations include claims involving manpower arrangements connected to Chuangxing Steel. These allegations have been publicly reported but remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through the appropriate legal or administrative proceedings.
Mayor Says Concerns About Chuangxing Are Being Addressed
Lacson has maintained her position that she was not mayor when Kingsmen was established and that she had processed the divestment of her interests before returning to office.
She also assured lawmakers that concerns raised by residents regarding Chuangxing Steel, including smoke reportedly coming from the facility, were being addressed.
But the questions raised during the Senate hearing may not end there.
Hontiveros’ decision to seek clarification from the Securities and Exchange Commission could determine whether the mayor’s continued appearance in the company’s 2026 records was simply an administrative mistake—or whether the documents reveal a deeper issue requiring further investigation.
For now, the Senate scrutiny has put a spotlight not only on Chuangxing Steel and the welfare of its workers, but also on a larger question facing public officials across the country:
When does a past business interest truly end—and what happens when government records appear to suggest otherwise?
Leave a Reply