Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Wednesday commended his colleagues in the majority bloc for answering a higher calling – one that rises above friendships and affiliations – to fulfill their duty as legislators and uphold the integrity of the Senate.
Before moving to nominate Sen. Vicente Sotto III as Senate President Pro Tempore, Lacson underscored that this higher calling transcends not just personal or political ties, but also one’s own self-interest.
“I think I will be remiss of my duty and responsibility as a senator, colleague, and friend, if I didn’t thank and commend our two distinguished colleagues, Senator Chiz Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, for responding to their higher calling for this chamber, our beloved institution known as the Philippine Senate. Higher than their friendships. Their affiliations. And every individual member of this body. Even higher than themselves,” he said.
In Filipino: Lacson, Pinuri ang mga Kasamahan sa Majority Bloc sa Pagtugon sa Mas Mataas na Panawagan
The majority bloc led by new Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian attended Wednesday’s special session of the Senate, with Escudero and Villanueva as the newest additions.
Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore during the Senate’s session last June 3, after Sen. Francis Escudero joined the 11 members of the then-minority to form a quorum.
Lacson was elected chairman of the Senate Committees on Accounts, Public Order and Illegal Drugs, and Ways and Means.
In his manifestation, Lacson put on record that he intentionally and voluntarily relinquished the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon Committee, for two primary reasons – “Number one, I am tired of losing old friends and creating new enemies. And number two, there are other colleagues who are equally, if not more qualified than this humble representation to take on the job.”
“If there were no takers, I was willing, albeit, with a heavy heart to retain and continue sitting as chairman and resume a duty that I am morally and obligated to perform,” he added.
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Lacson, Pinuri ang mga Kasamahan sa Majority Bloc sa Pagtugon sa Mas Mataas na Panawagan
Pinuri ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson nitong Miyerkules ang mga kasamahan niya sa majority bloc dahil sa pagtugon nila sa mas mataas na panawagan — ang nakahihigit sa pagkakaibigan at mga kaakibat na samahan —upang gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin bilang mga mambabatas at pangalagaan ang integridad ng Senado.
Bago ihain ang kanyang mosyon upang italaga si Sen. Vicente Sotto III bilang Senate President Pro Tempore, binigyang-diin ni Lacson na ang mas mataas na panawagang ito ay nakahihigit hindi lamang sa personal at pampulitikang ugnayan kundi maging sa pansariling interes.
“I think I will be remiss of my duty and responsibility as a senator, colleague, and friend, if I didn’t thank and commend our two distinguished colleagues, Senator Chiz Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, for responding to their higher calling for this chamber, our beloved institution known as the Philippine Senate. Higher than their friendships. Their affiliations. And every individual member of this body. Even higher than themselves,” aniya.
Dumalo sa special session ng Senado nitong Miyerkules ang majority bloc na pinamumunuan ng bagong Senate President na si Sherwin Gatchalian, kasama sina Escudero at Villanueva bilang pinakabagong miyembro nito.
Nahalal si Gatchalian bilang Senate President Pro Tempore sa sesyon ng Senado noong Hunyo 3, matapos sumama si Sen. Francis Escudero sa 11 miyembro ng noo’y minorya upang makabuo ng quorum.
Nahalal si Lacson bilang chairman ng mga Senate Committee sa Accounts, Public Order and Illegal Drugs, at Ways and Means.
Sa kanyang manifestation, inilagay ni Lacson sa rekord na kusa at sinadya niyang isuko ang pagiging chairman ng Blue Ribbon Committee dahil sa dalawang pangunahing dahilan: “Number one, I am tired of losing old friends and creating new enemies. And number two, there are other colleagues who are equally, if not more qualified than this humble representation to take on the job.”
“If there were no takers, I was willing, albeit, with a heavy heart to retain and continue sitting as chairman and resume a duty that I am morally and obligated to perform,” dagdag niya.
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