In both formal and informal occasions, I often stress that this is the point in my life where I certainly have more yesterdays than tomorrows. I tell you, as I gaze into my ‘yesterdays,’ I cannot help but realize how much has really changed in every aspect of our lives.
Let me share with you — in the late 1950s, when I was a young elementary student in a sleepy town of Imus, Cavite, I had a vivid memory of a lone policeman we simply referred to as “Kabo.”
He was a highly esteemed and respected man assigned to keep peace and order in our almost obscure barangay called Barrio Bayanluma then.
“We come before you, O loving Heavenly Father as the sun rises into this new day.
“May your eternal love rise in our hearts, a love that makes us instrument of Thy peace, a love that seeks only truth and harmony.
“In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.”
At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– ‘Bikoy’ caper
– Palace’s new matrix
– May 13 midterm elections
– businesses of foreign nationals in PH that discriminate against Filipinos
Undoubtedly, and as I have always pointed out, the 2019 national budget measure had been subjected to abuse and indiscretions by some legislators from both houses of Congress, with the House of Representatives’ leadership even going beyond the mandate of the law and time-honored legislative practice.
At the end of the day, it is greed and insatiability of those who cannot control their appetite for more and more ‘pork’ and all the perks and commissions that go with it.
Having said that, the President is well within his legal authority to veto in whole or in parts the Enrolled Bill already before him if he and his economic team see it wise to do so.
As for me, I am prepared to fight the next battle when the National Expenditure Program for the 2020 national budget is submitted by the President at the opening of the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress.
It is tiring and frustrating, but I am always ready and able to fight another day for my career-long advocacy as an elected Senator of the Republic – that of fighting corruption, particularly in the authorization phase of the budgeting process.
If there is arrogance in asking for forgiveness, it is the arrogance of courage to admit one’s mistake.
Whenever I speak before an audience like this, I could not help but think of the past generation before my time. This was five, maybe six decades ago when I was sitting as you are now, with our proud parents behind us in the bleachers.
In Cebu, Sen. Lacson led the PNP Foundation Inc.’s turnover of mountain bikes and other equipment to the Police Regional Office 7. The mountain bikes would be useful for police work in beaches and parks where tourists are concentrated. Sen. Lacson, who chairs the PNPFI, is an Adopted Son of Cebu, having served as Commander of Cebu Metrodiscom from 1989 to 1992. Following is the text of his speech at the event.
Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, Police Brig. Gen. Agustin, Police Brig. Gen. Gillamac, the members of the Regional Staff and other officers and personnel present, my Senate staff as well as the PNP Foundation Inc. staff, my former comrades in the Cebu Metrodiscom in Metro Cebu, maayong buntag sa inyong tanan.
First of all, let me personally thank the officers and men of PRO-7 for the warm welcome that you have given me and my staff. Rest assured that I will always be a friend of the PNP in heart and spirit in whatever capacity, either as Chairman of the PNP Foundation Inc., or as an elected Senator of the Republic, especially in my role as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate.
For the past several years that I have been actively participating in the national budget deliberations, I always make sure the PNP will get the necessary budgetary requirements to more efficiently accomplish your mission.
At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– birthday wish and ‘grade’ for President Duterte
– former police Col. Acierto
– war on drugs and DDB survey
– whether the P3.757-trillion 2019 budget will be pork-free
– Ayalas’ apology amid recent NCR water crisis
– preferences for the May 2019 elections
At the 51st Commencement Exercises of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Sen. Lacson was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa. He was cited for, among others, his crusade against corruption and the pork barrel system, and for exposing anomalous transactions. Sen. Lacson earned his Master’s degree in Government Management at the PLM (1995-1996). Following is the text of his speech at the event:
The Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Benjamin Espiritu; University President Dr. Ma. Leonora ‘Lenny’ de Jesus; PLM Alumni Association Inc. Regent Wilma Galvante; my dear friend Sec. Benny Laguesma; Sen. Tessie Oreta; the other Officials and College Deans; parents; my dear graduates; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
I wish to thank you for conferring on me the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa this afternoon. This award is a reminder for me to remain committed to the University’s principles and time-honored tradition of excellence in public service.
If there is arrogance in asking for forgiveness, it is the arrogance of courage to admit one’s mistake.
Thank you very much, the Hon. Sec. Saidamen Pangarungan. It is indeed a distinct honor and privilege to be introduced by an innovative, progressive-minded leader. And with him at the helm, I’m sure the NCMF would be in good hands.
Our guests from the Japanese Embassy, Second Secretary Yoji Konno; our guests from the United Nations Development Programme; the other commissioners and other dignitaries present here; members of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; to all the participants of today’s assembly, a pleasant morning. As-salaam aleikum.
Sen. Lacson joins colleagues in explaining their proposed solution to end the 2019 budget impasse. Sen. Lacson also answered questions on:
– Manila Water’s decision to waive fees over water supply row
– Chico River loan agreement
– claims of former policeman Eduardo Acierto