Category: Interpellation

Interpellation, Statements, Videos

Ping, Kinuwestiyon ang Tila Pamumulitika ng ‘Global Coalition’ sa PNP

Kinuwestyon ni Senador Panfilo Lacson nitong Martes ang umano’y “global coalition” sa Philippine National Police na maaaring magamit sa pamumulitika.

Ayon sa senador, kahina-hinala ang pakay ng “Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers,” na inilunsad noong ika-25 ng Hunyo nitong taon.

“The last time I heard, the PNP is a territorial force. It is supposed to address internal threats. Why a ‘global coalition’? Bakit kailangan ng force multiplier na global, e internal threat tayo? Mukhang OFWs ang target nito,” tanong ni Lacson sa PNP sa kanyang interpelasyon sa badyet ng Department of Interior and Local Government.

Related: Politicking? Lacson Questions PNP Official’s ‘Global Coalition’
Continue reading “Ping, Kinuwestiyon ang Tila Pamumulitika ng ‘Global Coalition’ sa PNP” →

Interpellation, Statements, Videos

Politicking? Lacson Questions PNP Official’s ‘Global Coalition’

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson questioned on Tuesday a supposed “global coalition” in the Philippine National Police (PNP) that may potentially be used for partisan politics.

Lacson questioned the purpose of the “Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers,” which was launched on June 25 this year.

“The last time I heard, the PNP is a territorial force. It is supposed to address internal threats. Why a ‘global coalition’? Bakit kailangan ng force multiplier na global, e internal threat tayo? Mukhang OFWs ang target nito,” he asked the PNP during his interpellation of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s budget for 2022.

Related: Ping, Kinuwestiyon ang Tila Pamumulitika ng ‘Global Coalition’ sa PNP
Continue reading “Politicking? Lacson Questions PNP Official’s ‘Global Coalition’” →

Interpellation, Videos

Sobrang Delayed! Interpellation of the National Irrigation Administration’s 2021 Budget

In his interpellation of the National Irrigation Administration’s budget for 2021, Sen. Lacson questioned appropriations for projects with a track record of delays and negative slippage. He also scored the Department of Budget and Management’s tagging of funds for important agricultural projects as “For Later Release.”

MORE DETAILS:
 Continue reading “Sobrang Delayed! Interpellation of the National Irrigation Administration’s 2021 Budget” →

Interpellation, Videos

Sponsoring the 2021 Budget of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

Sen. Lacson sponsored the budget of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for 2021, amounting to P3.088 billion.

Interpellation, Videos

Sponsoring the 2021 Budget of the Commission on Human Rights

Sen. Lacson sponsored the budget of the Commission on Human Rights for 2021, amounting to P907.098 million. This includes P39M for the Human Rights Violation Victims Memorial Commission.

Interpellation, Videos

Sponsoring the 2021 Budget of the Department of National Defense

Sen. Lacson sponsored the budget of the Department of National Defense for 2021, amounting to P215.705 billion. This includes P1.3B for the Government Arsenal, P139.7M for the National Defense College of the Philippines, P1.25B for the Office of Civil Defense, P842.4M for the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and P2.177B for the Veterans Memorial Medical Center; and P209B for the AFP.

Interpellation, Videos

Sponsoring the 2021 Budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology

Sen. Lacson sponsored the proposed 2021 budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology amounting to P14,139,746,000, and reiterated his call to augment funding for the National Broadband Program. “I have repeatedly appealed to our colleagues to support the NBP (because) this is the new normal. Lahat umaasa sa Internet connection including DepEd, SUCs, and practically all government agencies. If we complete the funding requirements by augmenting the necessary amount, we will have a very efficient internet service available to all government agencies, including LGUs.”

MORE DETAILS:
 Continue reading “Sponsoring the 2021 Budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology” →

Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Poor Planning, Embedded ROW Costs: Interpellation of the 2021 DPWH Budget

In his interpellation of the DPWH’s proposed budget for 2021, Sen. Lacson questioned several issues including whopping appropriations for several districts, double appropriations, overlapping projects, modifications involving poor planning, and right-of-way costs embedded in several infrastructure projects on top of the P11.45-billion appropriations for ROWs. He also reiterated his call to set aside at least for 2021 non-priority projects such as multi-purpose buildings (MPBs), in favor of helping LGUs hit by recent typhoons.

MORE DETAILS:
 Continue reading “Poor Planning, Embedded ROW Costs: Interpellation of the 2021 DPWH Budget” →

Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Kailangan Talaga ng Pondo Rito! Finding Funds to Implement Universal Health Care in 2021

In his interpellation of the DOH’s budget for 2021, Sen. Lacson stressed the need to find sources of funds to properly implement the Universal Health Care program. “We passed RA 11223 in February 2019, and it is our obligation as lawmakers to see to it that the law is implemented properly.“

MORE DETAILS:
 Continue reading “Kailangan Talaga ng Pondo Rito! Finding Funds to Implement Universal Health Care in 2021” →

Interpellation, Photos, Statements, Videos

Restoring Quick Response Fund for PNP, BFP Frontliners in 2021 Budget

In his interpellation of the DILG’s proposed P244.309B budget for 2021, Sen. Lacson sought to restore the Quick Response Funds for the PNP and BFP, whose personnel have been frontliners even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sen. Lacson also proposed possible amendments to the PNP Law to raise entry-level salaries particularly for its lawyers, doctors and chemists.

MORE DETAILS:
 Continue reading “Restoring Quick Response Fund for PNP, BFP Frontliners in 2021 Budget” →

Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Realigning P20B from ‘Skeleton Projects’ to Help Typhoon Victims

“2021 national budget: I am determined to amend and realign around P20B for the rehab and reconstruction of LGU’s hard hit by recent calamities to be sourced from the P68B allocations for those corrupt-ridden, skeleton multi-purpose building projects that I exposed last week.” – Sen. Ping Lacson on Twitter, Nov. 16, 2020

MORE DETAILS:
 Continue reading “Realigning P20B from ‘Skeleton Projects’ to Help Typhoon Victims” →

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Capacitating the Regions and the PNP: Interpellation of the DILG Budget for 2020

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In his interpellation of the 2020 budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government (including the Philippine National Police), Sen. Lacson sought more resources for the PNP and greater capacity and for local government units. He promised to do his part to help.

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “Capacitating the Regions and the PNP: Interpellation of the DILG Budget for 2020” →

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos

Ensure Right-of-Way: Interpellation of the DoTr Budget for 2020

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In his interpellation of the Department of Transportation’s 2020 budget, Sen. Lacson reminded the agency to settle right-of-way issues before starting to implement its projects.

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “Ensure Right-of-Way: Interpellation of the DoTr Budget for 2020” →

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Pagtaas ng Sahod ng Govt Nurses, Posible Next Year: Interpellation of the DOH’s Budget for 2020

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During his interpellation of the 2020 budget of the Department of Health, Sen. Lacson proposed a solution to address the clamor of government nurses for their salary upgrade.

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Pagtaas ng Sahod ng Govt Nurses, Posible Next Year: Interpellation of the DOH’s Budget for 2020” →

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

‘Huli sa Facebook, May Iskolar Pa Si Cong!’: Interpellating the 2020 Budget of the CHED

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‘Tulong Dunong,’ the defunct scholarship program of individual legislators, is still alive and kicking – and the proof is on Facebook. Sen. Lacson bared this during his interpellation of the 2020 budget of the Commission on Higher Education.

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “‘Huli sa Facebook, May Iskolar Pa Si Cong!’: Interpellating the 2020 Budget of the CHED” →

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the CHR

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Sen. Lacson sponsored the 2020 budget of the Commission on Human Rights amounting to P863.138 million. This included P830 million for the Human Rights proper and P32.8 million for the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission.

Lacson noted the CHR needs at least 152 lawyers nationwide as it has only three lawyers per region. He also corrected impressions the CHR was silent on the abuse of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

Meanwhile, Lacson sponsored as well the 2020 budgets of the Mindanao Development Authority, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and Southern Philippines Development Authority.

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Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos

‘Mas Malaki Pa Rito ang Pork ni Cong’: Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the DICT

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As he sponsored the proposed PhP7.72-billion budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Sen. Lacson pushed for additional funding for the agency in 2020, saying its initial budget was smaller than the pork barrel of a legislator.

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “‘Mas Malaki Pa Rito ang Pork ni Cong’: Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the DICT” →

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Sponsoring the 2020 Budgets of the DDB and PDEA

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Sen. Lacson sponsored the proposed PhP553.661-million budget of the Dangerous Drugs Board. The proposed 2020 budget of the DDB is lower than the 2019 budget due to, among other factors, the non-recurring funding for the nationwide survey on the extent of drug abuse in the Philippines.

Lacson also sponsored the PhP2.480-billion budget of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, higher than the current year’s budget.

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “Sponsoring the 2020 Budgets of the DDB and PDEA” →

Interpellation, Photos, Videos

‘Poor Planning’: Interpellation of the 2020 Budget of the DPWH

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In his interpellation of the 2020 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Sen. Lacson pointed out several questionable items, as he reiterated the national budget is “not a guessing game” and has to be studied painstakingly.

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “‘Poor Planning’: Interpellation of the 2020 Budget of the DPWH” →

Interpellation, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Dapat Kasuhan! Sen. Lacson Wants DA to Charge Those Distributing Defective Farm Equipment to Farmers

During deliberations for the 2020 budget of the Department of Agriculture, Sen. Lacson urged the agency to pursue criminal charges against those behind the reported distribution of defective farm equipment to farmers.

“It’s really disgusting to see farmers suffering some more on account of not just mismanagement… Obviously may nakinabang dito… I would urge the good DA Sec William Dar not to stop at mere audit, but charges should be filed. Sino ba sa office in charge of procurement ng farm machinery?”

“To prevent a repetition of that anomaly, we should show these people the secretary means business, by going after them. Not just stop at auditing them but charges should be filed against those responsible. Kasi this is plain and simple criminal act. Ako I don’t want to believe di sinasadya yan. Kung 1-2 pwedeng hindi sinasadya pero kung commonplace at sira ang equipment mukhang may kumita nang malaki.”

In an interview after the interpellation, Sen. Lacson also said such actions should be a warning to those implementing the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, so they will ensure proper procurement and distribution of equipment.

“Warning din yan sa pag-implement ng RCEF (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund) na tingnan nilang mabuti ang procurement at ang idi-distribute na equipment kung tama ba.”

*****

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the Department of National Defense

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Sen. Lacson sponsored the proposed PhP191,340,253,000 budget of the Department of National Defense for 2020. The amount is about 4% of the 2020 budget. The key security strategy for 2018 indicated a minimum of 2% of the budget for the DND.

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the Department of National Defense” →

Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Interpellation on the General Principles of the P4.1-Trillion Proposed 2020 Budget

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“I just hope we won’t have any more reenacted budget. As we all know by now, it is the economy that is suffering. Having said that, I have some issues and concerns that need to be clarified. If the sponsor is willing to accommodate just a few points I’d like to raise.” – Sen. Lacson’s opening statement at his interpellation (general principles) on the proposed 2020 budget.

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Interpellation on the General Principles of the P4.1-Trillion Proposed 2020 Budget” →

Interpellation, Videos

Interpellation of SB 2233 (Increasing the Excise Tax on Tobacco Products)

In his interpellation on the Senate bill seeking to increase the excise tax on tobacco products, Sen. Lacson stressed the need to plug leakages in tax collection to raise enough revenues. “We keep raising taxes. We keep passing new revenue measures. But we don’t look at some other potential sources of revenues which is I think ito ang mas malaki. Nami-miss natin.”

Quotes from the interpellation…
Continue reading “Interpellation of SB 2233 (Increasing the Excise Tax on Tobacco Products)” →

Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Interpellation of the Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. franchise bill

“Kailangan pa ba ng franchise ang Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp.? Ayon sa batas, hindi. Kaya bakit?”

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“If we grant them the franchise, they will have exclusive right to operate in those areas. Therefore, they will deny other qualified third parties so they will go through competitive process. If that’s the case why do we need a franchise for SPSB?”

“If they have to go through a competitive process, we might as well disregard the franchise. May competitive process, anyway. Why would we still grant a franchise? There’s no need.”

“My other issue is, are we not establishing a precedent in passing this bill? Iniiba natin ang nature ng franchise. (W)e’re actually amending EPIRA. Sabi kanina ng sponsor iba ang definition ng unviable sa unserved and underserved. If that’s the case we’re amending the EPIRA law.”

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Interpellation, Videos

Interpellation of the DILG budget for 2019

Some P16 billion in “pork” lump sums will now be available for “urgent” items in the proposed P3.7-trillion budget for 2019, after Sen. Lacson moved for this Tuesday evening.

Interpellation, Statements, Videos

Sen. Lacson seeks restoration of P4.8B in TESDA’s budget for 2019

During the interpellation of the 2019 national budget at the Senate, Sen. Lacson sought the restoration of P4.8 billion in the budget of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for 2019.

Interpellation, Photos, Statements, Videos

Interpellation of the 2019 national budget: Possible ‘pork’ in ALGU fund

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In his continuing interpellation of the 2019 budget’s general principles, Sen. Lacson questioned the possible pork in the Assistance to LGUs Fund.

Related: At a Glance: ‘Pork’ in the Assistance to LGUs (ALGU) Fund
Quotes from the interpellation…  Continue reading “Interpellation of the 2019 national budget: Possible ‘pork’ in ALGU fund” →

At a Glance, Interpellation, Photos, Statements

At a Glance: ‘Pork’ in the Assistance to LGUs (ALGU) Fund

FY 2019 Budget Interpellations_06 December 2018-04

In his interpellation of the 2019 budget’s general principles, Sen. Lacson raised questions on the possible grave abuse of discretion by lawmakers in the Assistance for LGUs.

Related: Interpellation of the 2019 national budget: Possible ‘pork’ in ALGU fund
Continue reading “At a Glance: ‘Pork’ in the Assistance to LGUs (ALGU) Fund” →

At a Glance, Interpellation, Photos, Statements

At a Glance: Pork in the Proposed 2019 National Budget

FY 2019 Budget Plenary 05 December 2018-02

In his interpellation of the 2019 budget at the Senate, Sen. Lacson pointed out instances of “pork” in the 2019 budget. “There is pork, there is pork, there is pork!”

Related: Interpellation of the 2019 budget: There is pork, there is pork, there is pork!
Continue reading “At a Glance: Pork in the Proposed 2019 National Budget” →

Interpellation, Photos, Statements, Videos

Interpellation of the 2019 national budget: “There is pork, there is pork, there is pork!”

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In his interpellation of the 2019 budget’s general principles, Sen. Lacson raised the issue of pork in the P3.7-trillion budget for 2019:
* Tulong Dunong
* P60 million per House member
* P1.54 billion for one House member; P1.69 billion for another

Related: At a Glance: Pork in the Proposed 2019 Budget
Quotes from the interpellation… Continue reading “Interpellation of the 2019 national budget: “There is pork, there is pork, there is pork!”” →

In the News, Interpellation, PingBills, Statements, Videos

Senate Bill 1662, the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, is approved on 2nd reading

The Senate adopted the findings and recommendations of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the hazing death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III. It also approved on second reading Senate Bill 1662, which provides heavier penalties against hazing and attempts at cover-up.

Related:
Period of interpellation for committee report and SB 1662
Lacson committee pushes reclusion perpetua, hefty penalties vs hazing deaths
At a Glance: Findings and Recommendations on the fatal hazing of Horacio Castillo III

Interpellation, Videos

Day 4: Senate Deliberations for the Proposed National Budget for 2018

At a Glance, Interpellation, Photos, Statements, Videos

At a Glance: Projects Cited by Sen. Lacson in his Interpellation of the DPWH’s Budget for 2018

In his interpellation of the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Sen. Lacson raised questions on several projects. Continue reading “At a Glance: Projects Cited by Sen. Lacson in his Interpellation of the DPWH’s Budget for 2018” →

Interpellation, Photos, Statements, Videos

Day 3: Senate Deliberations for the P3.8-trillion National Budget for 2018

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Interpellation, PingBills, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Senate intends to pass its version of the National ID bill by early 2018

During the deliberations on the 2018 national budget on Oct. 6, Sen. Lacson said the Senate hopes to pass its version of the National ID bill in the first quarter of 2018. #PingBills #PaninindiganNiPing

Hearings/Investigations, Interpellation, Photos, Videos

Day 2: Senate Deliberations for the P3.8-trillion National Budget for 2018

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Interpellation, Photos, Statements, Videos

Sen. Lacson Interpellates Sen. Angara on the Tax Reform Bill

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Interpellation, PingBills, Videos

Sen. Lacson, Sinuri at Sinusugan sa Plenaryo ang mga Nilalaman ng Senate Bill 1311 (Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act of 2017)