Lacson: Irrelevant Questions by Some Senator-Judges Slowing VP Impeachment Trial

Irrelevant questions by some senator-judges are slowing the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, while also testing the patience of those following the proceedings, Senator-Judge Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said that while Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero has been accommodating of his fellow senator-judges out of respect, “we should likewise exercise restraint and be mature enough to discern which questions are proper.”

“With all due respect to our peers, sometimes we senator-judges are slowing down the trial. Why is it that sometimes questions irrelevant to the trial are asked? The Presiding Officer has been accommodating out of respect. But we must be mature enough to discern what clarificatory questions we can ask,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM radio.

“Injecting issues that are not relevant to the impeachment trial causes unnecessary delays, and does not sit well with the public,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: ‘Irrelevant Questions’ ng Ilang Senator-Judge, Nagpapabagal sa VP Impeachment Trial

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Lacson: Plot Thickens, Case Strengthens vs Disgraced Ex-SP Cayetano as More Bagmen Identified in Taguig Ghost Infra Probe

The plot thickens. The list lengthens. The case strengthens. “SHOOT SA KALDERO!”

This was how Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson described on Friday the progress of the investigation into ghost infrastructure projects in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of disgraced ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano – following the identification of more bagmen and other new findings.

“TAGUIG GHOST INFRA PROJECTS UPDATE # 3: Ang daming damning (evidence). The plot thickens. The list lengthens. The case strengthens. Kung merong ‘shoot sa balde’, meron ding SHOOT SA KALDERO,” Lacson said in a post on X.

In Filipino: Lacson: Palalim ang Kuwento, Palakas ang Kaso vs Disgrasyadong Ex-SP Cayetano Matapos Matukoy ang Karagdagang Bagman sa Taguig Ghost Infra Probe

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Disgraced Ex-SP Cayetano Using Squid Tactics to Hide from Accountability – Lacson

Disgraced ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano is using squid tactics to hide from the issues confronting him, but that may not save him from the “logical conclusion” awaiting him, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Monday.

Lacson said he continues to gather evidence against Cayetano with the help of informants and witnesses, which he may present before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee or in a privilege speech, or transmit to the Ombudsman for the filing of appropriate charges.

“That’s how he is. When he faces an issue, he will drop names of those close to the administration, or resort to name-calling, to muddle the issue. That’s called squid tactics – try to muddle the issue and hope he can get away. That’s his technique and pattern up to now,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on True FM.

In Filipino: Disgrasyadong Ex-SP Cayetano, Gumagamit ng Squid Tactics para Magtago sa Pananagutan – Lacson

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Lacson: Can’t Support ‘Forced’ Unsealing of BIR ‘Green Box’ in Violation of Law

Senator-Judge Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Sunday said he cannot support the unsealing of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) “green box” containing Vice President Sara Duterte’s tax records without the President’s written authority as required under the law.

Lacson said he cannot take part in any action that would violate Sections 71 and 270 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) and established Supreme Court jurisprudence, as he stressed even the Impeachment Court trying the Vice President’s case is not above the law.

“If it is ‘forcibly’ unsealed without the written authority of the President, I will vote against it. That will be my personal vote, because I do not want to be blamed in the future for taking part in violating the law,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

“My position is clear. Without the written authority of the President, I cannot support the unsealing. I am not favoring the defense. I am invoking the law and that is clear,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Hindi Maaaring Suportahan ang Pagbubukas ng BIR ‘Green Box’ Nang Walang Written Authorization Ayon sa Batas

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Lacson Suggests Measures to Minimize Delays in VP Impeachment Trial

Senator-Judge Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Sunday proposed measures to minimize delays in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, including having witnesses expected to testify during the week remain readily available at the Senate premises.

Lacson said this would maximize the limited hearing time while upholding the Vice President’s right to a speedy trial without compromising the integrity of the proceedings.

“One suggestion I made was that the defense and prosecution make sure their witnesses for one week are readily available in a holding room, so if we finish early with one witness, we can move to the next and not waste time,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

“Speeding up the trial does not mean compromising the presentation of evidence. It means maximizing the limited time available to us,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson, Nagmungkahi ng mga Hakbang upang Mabawasan ang mga Pagkaantala sa Impeachment Trial ng VP

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