Category: Senate Resolutions

Lacson Ensures ‘Lower-Ranking’ Soldiers in Indo Fishers’ Rescue are Equally Recognized

More than the commanders, the soldiers on the ground who risked their lives deserve to be honored.

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this as he pushed for the inclusion of more than 50 soldiers’ names in a resolution citing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana for the rescue of Indonesian fishermen from the Abu Sayyaf in December 2019.

“Praise the commanders to high heavens if we must; just don’t forget the soldiers who literally risked their lives to make the feat happen,” Lacson, who heads the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said on his Twitter account Monday afternoon.

Related: Deserve! Papugay Para sa mga Sundalong Nagsugal ng Buhay Para Sagipin ang Indo Fishers sa Abu Sayyaf, Tiniyak ni Lacson
Continue reading “Lacson Ensures ‘Lower-Ranking’ Soldiers in Indo Fishers’ Rescue are Equally Recognized”

PingBills | Senate Resolution 850, Commending POC President Abraham Tolentino for Leadership and Support to PH Athletes in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Mr. President, in times like this where the scale of daily bad news has almost rendered positive things few and far between, it is truly a breath of fresh air to hear stories of hope and success as that of our Filipino athletes’ victory in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Without taking anything away from our athletes who have given their all in making history and bringing pride to our nation, this representation wishes to also give credit to a leader whose actions inspired and empowered his people to dream more and do more.

Mr. President, I speak of no less than Cavite 8th District Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who has worn yet another challenging hat after having been elected as President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) in 2019.

Continue reading “PingBills | Senate Resolution 850, Commending POC President Abraham Tolentino for Leadership and Support to PH Athletes in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics”

PingBills | Senate Resolution 860, Honoring the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos of 2021

PingBills | Senate Resolution 845, Supporting MBC-DZRH’s Campaign vs Disinformation

The resolution commends the initiative and expresses support to MBC-DZRH for its campaign against misinformation by educating the public and urging government regulatory agencies to craft policies to encourage responsible posting of social media content.

PingBills | Senate Resolution 725, Seeking Probe into Killing of Calbayong Mayor Ronaldo Aquino

The resolution seeks to look into the killing of Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and his two security escorts in an alleged shootout.

Sponsorship Speech: Senate Resolution Honoring Mayor Vico Sotto

Last Wednesday, February 24, while waiting in the Senate lounge for our 51st Senate session to start, I asked the Senate President if we can be co-authors in a yet-to-be drafted Senate resolution to honor and recognize Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for receiving an award given by the US State Department as one of the world’s 12 anti-corruption champions. The Senate President’s reluctant response was: Sige, pero co-author lang ako. Ikaw ang principal author and sponsor kasi, alam mo na… with a chuckle. I knew exactly what he was trying to say, Mr. President. It is that little, big thing called “sense of propriety,” better understood by Filipinos as “delicadeza.” All of us inside this hall as well as those attending online know that Mayor Vico is the Senate President’s nephew, being his equally famous brother Vic’s offspring.

That being said, the young mayor has consistently refused to put his picture and name on billboards and similar materials on publicly funded projects in the City of Pasig. What easily comes to mind is our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal who once said, and I quote: “No good water comes from a muddy spring. No sweet fruit comes from a bitter seed.” Let me put it in a more simple language, distinguished colleagues: “Like uncle, like nephew.”

Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech: Senate Resolution Honoring Mayor Vico Sotto”

Ping: May Mas Klarong Paraan ng Charter Change

Dapat nakabukod o hiwalay ang botohan ng Senado at Kamara de Representantes sa pagtalakay ng pagbabago sa probisyon o bahagi ng ating Saligang Batas.

Ito ang nilalaman ng Senate Resolution 623 na inihain ni Senador Panfilo Lacson bilang tugon sa mga galaw na baguhin ang ilang probisyon ng 1987 Constitution.

“My resolution when adopted will clarify unequivocally that voting to revise or amend certain provisions of the 1987 constitution will be done separately via 3/4 votes of the respective members of the Senate and House of Representatives, each voting in plenary,” paliwanag ni Lacson.

Ayon sa senador, ginagawa na ito ng Mababang Kapulungan bagama’t nasa lebel pa lang ito ng committee.

Related: Lacson Resolution Proposes Clear Method to Tackle Charter Amendments
Continue reading “Ping: May Mas Klarong Paraan ng Charter Change”

Lacson Resolution Proposes Clear Method to Tackle Charter Amendments

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has filed Senate Resolution 623 to unequivocally clarify that voting to revise or amend certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution will be done separately via 3/4 votes of the Senate and House of Representatives respectively.

“My resolution when adopted will clarify unequivocally that voting to revise or amend certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution will be done separately via 3/4 votes of the respective members of the Senate and House of Representatives, each voting in plenary,” Lacson said.

He noted the House of Representatives is doing it now although still at the committee level.

Related: Ping: May Mas Klarong Paraan ng Charter Change
Continue reading “Lacson Resolution Proposes Clear Method to Tackle Charter Amendments”

PingBills | Senate Resolution 622, Clarifying Authority of LGUs on PCSO’s STL Operations

The resolution seeks to provide remedial legislation that will clarify the authority of LGUs on PCSO’s STL operations.

PingBills | Senate Resolution 559, Exercising Oversight Authority over the Defense Sector on the Issue of Red-Tagging/Red-Baiting of Certain Personalities/Groups

“Be it resolved… to direct the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of red-tagging/red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations, with the end in view of crafting proper guidelines that will prevent misunderstanding between the public and the military and ensuring the protection of the constitutional rights of the people, thereby strengthening the confidence and trust of our people on the professionalism of our military in consonance with the constitutional edict that the AFP is the protector of the people and the state, and that civilian authority is at all times supreme over the military.”

Related: On Recent Statements by Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

Read: Senate Resolution 533, Seeking an Inquiry on Issues Surrounding the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Water Project

Image: CTTO

“Given the critical role of Malampaya in the country’s energy and overall national development, it is imperative for Congress and the Filipino public to be apprised of the: (1) plans of government for SC 38 given its looming expiration and Malampaya’s declining output; and (2) compliance of government and the consortium with PD 87 and SC 38.” (co-author with Senators Sotto and Gatchalian)

Read: Senate Resolution 493, Expressing the Senate’s Sympathy and Condolences on the Death of Former Sen. Eddie Ilarde

“The passing away of a dedicated public servant, who had lived a full and meaningful life and who had never failed to look back at his humble beginnings, using the same as a constant guide and reminder that the poor and marginalized sector of society deserves no less than what they are entitled to under the Constitution and other existing laws consistent with the saying that those who have less in life must have more in law, is a great loss not only to the bereaved family but to the nation as well.” (co-author with Senators Sotto and Tolentino)

PingBills | Senate Resolution 475, Calling for the Constitution of the Senate Committee of the Whole to Investigate Alleged Corruption in PhilHealth Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

“These rampant and pervasive allegations of corruption, incompetence and inefficiency have systematically impaired the management of PhilHealth to the detriment of this public institution and its members, without any remedial measures to improve competency and exact accountability, thereby endangering PhilHealth’s existence, necessitating the Senate’s intervention to prevent the corporation’s financial collapse.”

Read: Senate Resolution 748, Confirming the Winner of the Global Conceptual Design Competition for the new Senate Building

“Finding a home that the Senate of the Philippines can call its own has long been a standing dream of this institution, and plans of relocating and constructing a permanent Senate building has been proposed and considered as far back as the year 2000 during the Senate Presidency of Senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr.”

Lacson: Saan napunta ang P59.8-M allowance ng SAF?

Hahalungkatin ni Senador Panfilo Lacson ang misteryosong di-pagkakabigay sa mga tauhan ng Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) ng P59.8 milyon na karagdagang subsistence allowance ng mga ito.

Sa pamamagitan ng Senate Resolution 712 na inihain ni Lacson, inatasan nito ang Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs na kanyang pinamumunuan na imbestigahan ang nabanggit na anomalya.

Related: Lacson Pushes Probe Into P59.8-M PNP-SAF Allowance Row

Continue reading “Lacson: Saan napunta ang P59.8-M allowance ng SAF?”

Lacson Pushes Probe Into P59.8-M PNP-SAF Allowance Row

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is pushing a Senate investigation into a P59.8-million mess involving the withholding of daily subsistence allowance and explosive ordnance disposal hazardous pay for the Philippine National Police’s elite Special Action Force.

Lacson said the withholding of such allowances, if true, threatens to demoralize members of the SAF, who are the frontliners in fighting terrorism and criminality.

Related: Lacson: Saan napunta ang P59.8-M allowance ng SAF?

Continue reading “Lacson Pushes Probe Into P59.8-M PNP-SAF Allowance Row”

Read: Senate Resolution 712, Calling for a Senate Inquiry into Alleged Illegal Withholding of P59.8M Allowances for SAF Personnel

`”We cannot allow, yet again, another injustice to be committed against our heroes in uniform who are in the forefront of our fight against the ills of terrorism and criminality, lest we risk demoralization within their ranks. Thus the need to probe into the said allegations.”

#PingSays: At the hearing on issues surrounding the PCSO | Feb. 12, 2018

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Quotes from the ambush interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: At the hearing on issues surrounding the PCSO | Feb. 12, 2018”

Read: Senate Resolution 580, Calling for the Constitution of the Senate into a Constituent Assembly to Propose Changes to the Constitution

Senate Resolution 580 calls for the constitution of the Senate of the Philippines into a constituent assembly to propose amendments to – or revision of – the Constitution, and upon approval of 3/4 vote of its members adopt the same.

Read: Senate Resolution 577, Calling for an Inquiry in Aid of Legislation on the Controversies Surrounding the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office

Senate Resolution 577 calls for an inquiry in aid of legislation into the recent controversies surrounding the PCSO.

Read: Senate Resolution 529: Authorizing the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and of Justice and Human Rights to Make Public the Testimony of John Paul Solano in Executive Session

“The undersigned members of the Senate have decided to authorize the Chairmen of the said Committees to make public the testimony of Mr. John Paul Solano given in an executive session as specified in the Senate Rules Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation.”

Read: Senate Resolution 468: Investigation Into Possible Violation of the AMLA by Some ‘Covered Institutions’

“Despite several amendments made to strengthen the AMLA, violations thereof have been continuously monitored. However, there are some violations that are left uncovered.”

Senate Hearing on the Reinstatement of Cops Linked to Mayor Espinosa’s Killing

Highlights of the hearing:
– Preliminary statement for the inquiry in aid of legislation on the reinstatement of Supt. Marcos and other CIDG-8 members involved in the killing of Mayor Espinosa
– Sen. Lacson questions from media in an interview after the hearing

Preliminary Statement for the Inquiry in Aid of Legislation on the Reinstatement of Supt. Marcos and other CIDG-8 members involved in the Killing of Mayor Espinosa

If you have watched the award-winning TV series, House of Cards, you must have come across Frank Underwood’s statement on his Rule on Ruthlessness and I quote – “The road to power is paved with hypocrisy … and casualties.”

Subliminally, one can easily draw parallelism in that quote I just mentioned with the turn of events in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and fellow detainee Raul Yap, which your Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs concluded, and which the Senate unanimously affirmed as premeditated and with grave abuse of authority on the part of CIDG Region 8 operatives.

Continue reading “Senate Hearing on the Reinstatement of Cops Linked to Mayor Espinosa’s Killing”

Read: Senate Resolution 442: Inquiry into Excess Supplies at the Senate

“… In the interest of transparency and accountability it is necessary that an investigation be conducted as to how the funds of the Senate are being utilized so as to prevent wastage and dissipation and check possible acts of graft and corruption.”

#PingSays: On the Senate hearing scheduled for July 26 | July 25, 2017

In an interview, Sen. Lacson was asked on:
– Tax reform legislation
– The July 26 hearing on the reinstatement of cops linked to Mayor Espinosa’s killing

Quotes from the interview… 
Continue reading “#PingSays: On the Senate hearing scheduled for July 26 | July 25, 2017”

Read: Senate Resolution 438: Inquiry Into Reinstatement of Those Involved in Mayor Espinosa’s Killing

“Now is the opportune time to resolve once and for all the need to create an Internal Affairs Service that is truly independent and able to perform its mandate of being the police of the PNP, ridding it of police officers who are not worthy to be given a position in the police service.”

Read: Senate Resolution 412: Inquiry into the Reported Importation and Sale of Steel Bars Despite Noncompliance with Sampling Requirements of PNS 49:2002

“Considering that our country has suffered from an inexhaustible number of deadly typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions and other natural calamities, it is imperative that our structures are sturdy and disaster-resilient.”

Read: Senate Resolution 265, Looking into KFRs Perpetrated by Members of the PNP

Directing the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to inquire in aid of legislation on the various reported Incidents of kidnap-for-ransom perpetrated by members of the PNP.

Read: Senate Resolution 264, Accountability of Erring Public Officials

Directing the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to investigate in aid of legislation the veracity of the allegation that certain public officials received payola from Cebu drug lord Jeffrey ‘Jaguar’ Diaz.

Lacson Pushes Review of Disaster Management Law to Cope with ‘New Normal’

With cyclones and other calamities likely to hit at this time of the year, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is seeking a review of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 to make it more responsive in dealing with the “new normal” effects of climate change.

In Senate Resolution No. 10, Lacson said it is time for the Congressional Oversight Committee on Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 to find ways to improve the law and its implementation.

“(T)here is a need to revisit the Act in order determine its effectivity and relevance when it comes to the country’s response to the challenges of the ‘new normal’ and the alarming rate of climate change, and to propose possible remedial measures,” said Lacson, who served as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery from December 2013 to February 2015.

Related: Ping: i-upgrade na ang batas vs kalamidad

Continue reading “Lacson Pushes Review of Disaster Management Law to Cope with ‘New Normal’”

Ping: I-Upgrade na ang Batas vs Kalamidad

Kailangan nang maitugma sa pagbabago ng panahon ang mga nilalaman ng Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Ito ang pangunahin layunin ni Senador Panfilo Lacson sa pagsasampa ng Senate Resolution No. 10 na naglalayong muling pag-aralan ang nabanggit na batas na una nang naging batayan ng gobyerno sa paglaban sa mga mapamuksang kalamidad na tumama sa bansa.

Batay sa resolusyon, ang muling pag-aaral sa nabanggit na batas ay pangungunahan ng Congressional Oversight Committee on the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 upang sabayang matalakay ng mga senador at kongresistang kasapi ng komite.

Related: Lacson pushes review of disaster management law to cope with ‘new normal’

Continue reading “Ping: I-Upgrade na ang Batas vs Kalamidad”

Lacson Seeks Probe of Destructive, Treacherous Excavations in Zambales

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is seeking a Senate inquiry into reported destructive mining operations and “treacherous” excavations in Zambales province, including the alleged smuggling of soil and rocks to build Chinese islands in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson filed Senate Resolution No. 92 to investigate in aid of legislation the alleged exploitative activities that harm the environment and pose serious threats to national security to the prejudice of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“(The investigation has) the end in view of adopting remedial measures to strengthen our environmental protection and conservation laws and address the possible breach of our national security,” he said.

Related: Lupang panambak ng China sa mga isla sa WPS kakalkalin ni Ping Continue reading “Lacson Seeks Probe of Destructive, Treacherous Excavations in Zambales”

Lupang Panambak ng China sa mga Isla sa WPS, Kakalkalin ni Ping

Tutuklasin ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso kung may katotohanan ang mga balitang sa nasasakupan ng Pilipinas, partikular sa lalawigan ng Zambales nanggaling ang mga lupang ginamit upang malikha ng China ang mga artipisyal na isla sa loob ng pinagtatalunang lugar sa West Philippine Sea.

Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Senate Resolution No. 92 na inakda at isinumite ni Senador Panfilo Lacson na naglalayong lumikha ng mga panuntunan upang hindi na muling maulit ang nabanggit na pangyayari, bunga na rin ng mga impormasyong kung ilang bundok umano ang napatag sa lalawigan kasabay ng pagkakabunyag sa pagtatambak ng mga tsino sa mga isla.

Ayon kay Lacson, layon din ng kanyang resolusyon na makalikha ng mga karagdagan o panibagong alituntuning pangkalikasan ang pamahalaan upang higit na maprotektahan ang mga ito sa mas malalang pag-abuso.

Related: Lacson seeks probe of destructive, treacherous excavations in Zambales Continue reading “Lupang Panambak ng China sa mga Isla sa WPS, Kakalkalin ni Ping”

Lacson Seeks Probe into Inclusion of Exempted Lands in Land Reform Program

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has sought an investigation into allegations that several parcels of land exempted from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program are still subjected to coverage and titled to the Republic.  Continue reading “Lacson Seeks Probe into Inclusion of Exempted Lands in Land Reform Program”

Lacson Resolution Fetes Top Cops for 2011

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson commended this year’s recipients of the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) for giving Filipinos an inspiration with their dedication to service.  Continue reading “Lacson Resolution Fetes Top Cops for 2011”

Lacson Files Resolution Lauding Outstanding Soldiers for 2011

Saying their gallantry and sacrifice should be an example to Filipinos, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has filed a Senate resolution commending the 10 recipients of this year’s The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).  Continue reading “Lacson Files Resolution Lauding Outstanding Soldiers for 2011”

Lacson Initiates Probe on P105-M PNP Chopper Purchase

The Senate is set to look into alleged misrepresentations in the P105-million purchase of light operational helicopters by the Philippine National Police in 2009 for its elite Special Action Force (SAF) unit.  Continue reading “Lacson Initiates Probe on P105-M PNP Chopper Purchase”

Senate Probe Looms Over Irregularities in Road Users’ Tax

The Senate is set to investigate alleged irregularities and misuse of the Motor Vehicle Users’ Charge (MVUC), also known as the Road Users Tax under the past administration.  Continue reading “Senate Probe Looms Over Irregularities in Road Users’ Tax”

Lacson Seeks Senate Probe of P12.5-B SSS Funds for Stimulus Plan

A Senate investigation looms over a plan to channel some P12.5 billion in private sector workers’ pension funds for the government’s “economic resiliency plan.”  Continue reading “Lacson Seeks Senate Probe of P12.5-B SSS Funds for Stimulus Plan”

Lacson Pushes Probe of Sin Tax Funding Delay for Health Programs

With added funding for health programs held up for more than four years, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson sought an investigation into the delayed implementation of the sin tax law.  Continue reading “Lacson Pushes Probe of Sin Tax Funding Delay for Health Programs”

Lacson Resolution Seeks Probe of Swine Scam

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson on Tuesday filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the multibillion-peso swine scam, which involved alleged irregularities in the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corp. (Quedancor).  Continue reading “Lacson Resolution Seeks Probe of Swine Scam”

Lacson Pushes Senate Probe into Southrail Overpricing

Noting how many “urgent” projects ended up as excuses for corruption, Sen. Panfilo Lacson sought an investigation into the $70-million overprice in the Southrail project.  Continue reading “Lacson Pushes Senate Probe into Southrail Overpricing”

Lacson Revives Probe of Error-Riddled Textbooks

No thanks to a haphazard “corrective” measure, the country’s public elementary and high school students are ending up victims of a flawed procurement program that yielded error-riddled textbooks, not once but twice.  Continue reading “Lacson Revives Probe of Error-Riddled Textbooks”

Lacson Files Resolution to Evaluate Common Carriers’ Tax Hike

After warning of its potential domino effect on transport operators and commuters, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson filed a resolution seeking a thorough Senate review of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s plan to hike common carriers’ tax by 2,600 percent.  Continue reading “Lacson Files Resolution to Evaluate Common Carriers’ Tax Hike”