Lacson: Those Behind ‘Destabilization’ Using 18 Maleta Boys Cannot Undermine Professionalism in AFP, PNP

Whoever may be behind a possible destabilization attempt involving the 18 “Maleta Boys” cannot undermine the professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson said the uniformed services have effectively disowned and distanced themselves from the 18 ex-soldiers who claimed to have delivered cash in suitcases to certain personalities linked to the flood control scandal.

“I don’t think the AFP and uniformed services have any sympathy for the 18 Maleta Boys. They’ve been disowned by the Philippine Marines and by the AFP. So if those behind them assume that their antics would trigger something bigger and cause destabilization, I think they are wrong,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

“Those behind the destabilization attempts should know better than to use the 18 ex-Marines as a rallying point for our Armed Forces. They should know the members of the AFP and PNP better than how they assume they will act. Whoever is behind the destabilization moves should know them better than that,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Mga Nasa Likod ng ‘Destabilization’ Gamit ang 18 ‘Maleta Boys,’ Hindi Kayang Pahinain ang Propesyonalismo ng AFP at PNP

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Lacson Suggests Way for Detained Senators to Serve as Senator Judges at Impeachment Trial

To help ensure sufficient participation of senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson proposed on Sunday a mechanism that would allow senators detained in connection with the flood control scandal to perform their duties during the proceedings.

Lacson said that while the composition of the Impeachment Court is the same as that of the Senate, the detention and preventive suspension of senators over the flood control mess may apply only to their function as legislators, as the Impeachment Court and Senate are separate entities.

“It is worth studying that while the Impeachment Court and Senate have the same composition, and this is subject to interpretation if it comes to that, the two are separate entities and the suspension of senators applies to their legislative functions and not to their duties as Senator Judges,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson, Nagmungkahi ng Paraan para Makapaglingkod Bilang Senator-Judges ang mga Nakadetineng Senador sa Impeachment Trial

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Lacson: Majority Prepared for Disgraced Ex-SP Cayetano’s Dirty Tricks at Senate Special Session

The Senate majority bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is ready for any dirty tricks that disgraced ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano may attempt during the Senate’s special session, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson said that while everyone except Cayetano and a handful of his allies recognize Gatchalian as the Senate’s leader, Cayetano has shown he is capable of doing anything to preserve his “power.”

“Members of the majority bloc are ready with contingencies in case he makes a scene. We have discussed measures that I am not at liberty to divulge. I have emphasized to the majority bloc to not underestimate him because he is capable of dirty tricks. He doesn’t care about the institution, he only cares about himself,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: Mayorya, Handa sa Anumang Maruming Balak ni Disgrasyadong Ex-SP Cayetano sa Senate Special Session

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Lacson Thanks Sen. Erwin Tulfo for Upholding Duty over Peer Pressure in Disclosing Truth behind Flood Control Mess

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Saturday lauded Sen. Erwin Tulfo for upholding his duty to help disclose the truth behind the anomalies behind defective and ghost flood control projects, and for standing firm against peer pressure to tolerate wrongdoing.

Lacson cited Tulfo’s confirmation in a podcast interview that he signed the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s partial report on the flood control scandal despite pressure from some fellow senators.

“Thank you Sen. Erwin for speaking the truth to confirm what I had thought all along was the real reason – bakit inamag at tuluyan nang napanis ang BRC partial report. Quo vadis, Philippine Senate (Thank you Sen. Erwin for speaking the truth to confirm what I had thought all along was the real reason – why the partial report was left to go stale and become spoiled. Where do you go from here, Philippine Senate)?” Lacson, who chaired the panel when it came out with the partial report, said in a post on X.

In Filipino: Lacson, Pinasalamatan si Sen. Erwin Tulfo sa Pagtataguyod ng Tungkulin sa Paglalantad ng Katotohanan sa Likod ng Flood Control Mess

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Lacson: No Confusion in Senate Chain of Command Under Gatchalian-Led Majority

Senate employees should no longer have any doubt as to whom they should follow as the Gatchalian-led majority bloc has been duly recognized by the Civil Service Commission and other relevant authorities, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said late Tuesday.

Lacson said this recognition enjoyed by the majority led by Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian only underscores that “orders” from the minority led by disgraced ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano are meant to sow confusion.

“Maliwanag naman sa atin kung sinong kinikilala ng Malacanang, ng House of Representatives, ng Civil Service Commission, ng IBP, at kung ano-ano pa ang mga grupo, kung sinong kinikilala talaga na liderato sa Senate (It is clear whose leadership Malacanang, the House of Representatives, the Civil Service Commission and Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other groups recognize),” he said in an interview on DZMM radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: Walang Kalituhan sa Chain of Command ng Senado sa Ilalim ng Gatchalian-Led Majority

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