Lacson Backs Joint Oil, Gas Exploration with China, With 60-40 Safeguard

Citing ongoing risks to global oil supply due to the conflict in the Middle East, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Sunday the Marcos administration should consider exploring joint energy ventures with China, including in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson, however, stressed that any such arrangement must strictly comply with the 60-40 foreign ownership provision under the Philippine Constitution.

“Yes. Four-square behind, sinusuportahan ko. Kasi sayang eh. Yayaman tayo doon (Yes. I am supporting this, I’m four-square behind it. There is so much potential. We can benefit greatly from it),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio, when asked if the Marcos administration should consider joint exploration.

In Filipino: Lacson, Suportado ang Joint Oil at Gas Exploration sa China, na may 60-40 Safeguard

Continue reading “Lacson Backs Joint Oil, Gas Exploration with China, With 60-40 Safeguard”

Lacson Pushes Decisive, ‘Extreme’ Measures to Shield Filipinos From Rising Fuel Costs

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Sunday called for decisive – and even “extreme” – government intervention to shield Filipinos from the relentless surge in petroleum prices.

Lacson stressed the government must also disclose its actions against “early” profiteers, noting that any relief from a potential excise tax suspension may not be felt until June — if at all.

He likewise underscored the need to ensure the proper use of some P230 billion in potential funds from the 2025 and 2026 General Appropriations Acts (GAA) to help sectors hit hardest by the fuel crisis.

“May mga batas na pwedeng gamitin ang provision ng mga batas na ito dahil may state of energy emergency. Ngayon kung paano i-implement yan, at kailan gagamitin, kailan i-implement at paano i-implement, yan ang mas importante (We have laws that can be implemented now that there is a state of national energy emergency. What is more important is how and when it will implement these),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson, Itinulak ang Mahigpit na Hakbang para Pangalagaan ang mga Pilipino vs Tumataas na Presyo ng Langis

Continue reading “Lacson Pushes Decisive, ‘Extreme’ Measures to Shield Filipinos From Rising Fuel Costs”

Lacson Probes DPWH Infra Project List ‘Requested’ by CA Panel Member for Bonoan Confirmation

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is investigating a list of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control and other infrastructure projects reportedly “requested” by a Commission on Appointments panel member in exchange for the confirmation of then DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan in late 2022.

Lacson said Saturday that the information surfaced while he and his staff continue to inspect suspected anomalous flood control projects in other parts of the country.

“We received information that during a CA hearing for Bonoan’s confirmation as DPWH secretary, the confirmation process was used for such a transaction,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM, citing information from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

In Filipino: Lacson Iniimbestigahan ang Listahan ng DPWH Infra Projects na ‘Hiningi’ ng CA Panel Member para sa Bonoan Confirmation

Continue reading “Lacson Probes DPWH Infra Project List ‘Requested’ by CA Panel Member for Bonoan Confirmation”

Lacson Eyes Faster Mechanisms to Address Rising Fuel Costs

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is seeking to speed up the government’s mechanisms to address rising fuel costs, especially amid unstable prices of oil due to the tension in the Middle East.

Lacson on Saturday particularly pushed for an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC)’s provision that would shorten the “wait period” of three months before suspending excise tax on fuel.

“I am not just pushing for an emergency power but for a permanent amendment to the NIRC to shorten the ‘wait time’ to suspend excise taxes, especially with the situation now in the Middle East. We cannot wait three months before suspending the imposition of an excise tax,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM.

In Filipino: Lacson Nais Pabilisin ang mga Mekanismo upang Matugunan ang Tumataas na Presyo ng Langis

Continue reading “Lacson Eyes Faster Mechanisms to Address Rising Fuel Costs”

Lacson: CA May Be Held Liable for Falsifying Records in ‘Amending’ Marcoleta’s ‘Give Up KIG’ Remarks

The Commission on Appointments (CA) could possibly be held liable for violating the law if it amends the minutes of its Feb. 4 hearing that included Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s “give up the Kalayaan Island Group” remarks, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson said Article 170 of the Revised Penal Code provides penalties for the falsification of legislative documents, adding this was why he cautioned against this during his privilege speech in the Senate last March 10.

“Falsification of legislative records is punishable under Art. 170 of the Revised Penal Code. That is why we must carefully study the legal implications. As of now, Marcoleta’s motion to amend his remarks is still pending,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM radio.

“I have relayed this concern to Senate President Vicente Sotto III because he is also the CA chairman. We must be careful lest we be charged with falsification of legislative records and be implicated as co-conspirators because we approved the amendment,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: CA Posibleng Panagutin sa Falsification of Records sa ‘Pag-amyenda’ sa ‘Give Up KIG’ Remarks ni Marcoleta

Continue reading “Lacson: CA May Be Held Liable for Falsifying Records in ‘Amending’ Marcoleta’s ‘Give Up KIG’ Remarks”