Magkakaalaman na kung sapat ang mga nabunyag na pangalan na nakinabang sa pork barrel. Q-and-A at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Makati, May 19, 2017. #NoToPork
#PingBills #SenateBill41 #PaninindiganNiPing
#PingBills #SenateBill41 #PaninindiganNiPing
“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.”
The health of the president of any country is not his or his family’s private affair alone. It is a matter of public concern. Having said that, it behooves Malacañang to disclose the current state of health of the president if only to quell any speculation about his health. The public deserves nothing less.
Anyway, they will surely understand that PRRD is presently exposed to all kinds of stress and physical exhaustion due to the numerous problems besetting the country, not to mention the sight of our soldiers being transported in coffins by military aircraft with all the grieving families waiting to bring them to their respective provinces. That indeed is very stressful.
*****
Talumpati ni Senador Panfilo M. Lacson para sa ika-119 Anibersaryo ng Proklamasyon ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas,
Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo, Kawit, Cavite
Ang kalayaang nakamit dahil ipinagmakaawa lamang ay walang kabuluhan. Hindi tulad ng kasarinlang pinagpanalunan matapos ipaglaban. Noong ika-12 ng Hunyo, 1898, ang mga pwersang rebolusyonaryo sa pamumuno ni Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo ay nagtipon-tipon sa mismong lugar na ito ng bayan ng Kawit, na ang tawag pa noon ay Cavite Dos del Viejo, upang basahin sa publiko ang proklamasyon ng kasarinlan ng sambayanang Pilipino, bilang pagpapahayag ng kalayaan at kasarinlan ng Pilipinas mula sa kolonyalismong pananakop ng bansang Espanya.
Continue reading “Mensahe para sa Araw ng Kalayaan sa Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite”
At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the Marawi crisis
– the relocation of the Senate
– no plan to investigate incident at Resorts World Manila
– bill to remove conflict of interest at PAGCOR
– case vs Marvin Marcos and co. over Mayor Espinosa killing
– National ID system
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | June 8, 2017”
Since the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already declassified the confiscated video showing how Maute planned the Marawi City rebellion, I think I can now disclose that this video footage, among other disclosures in the security briefing made by top security officials of the Duterte administration during our executive caucus, is what made me decide to vote in favor of the martial law proclamation in Mindanao.
Further, I conclude that our colleagues who still oppose the martial law proclamation either did not understand the gravity of the security threat posed by the rebellion in the south, or they are simply opposed to anything that President Duterte does or acts on.
*****
The authorities should milk that cash recovery with all the valuable intelligence information that our troops may put into good use with possibly identifying the financiers of the Maute terrorists that attacked Marawi City and other co-conspirators.
For one, the owner of the establishment where the monies were recovered should be background investigated at the very least. Or, that could be the loot taken by the Maute attackers from the banks in Marawi City.
Either way, I take my hat off to our soldiers. No matter how battle-weary they are and considering the risk of life they’re going through, they were not tempted with the prospect of a comfortable life for themselves and their families. Instead, and stuck to their honor and integrity as professional members of the AFP.
*****
Mula sa kasalukuyang mabibigat na tungkulin at obligasyon batay sa kautusan ng batas, mababawasan na ang mga trabahong nakaatang sa mga balikat ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) kapag naging batas ang panukala ni Senador Panfilo Lacson.
Sa Senate Bill 1471 na inihain ni Lacson, layon nitong pagaanin ang trabaho at bawasan ang kalituhang dinaranas ng mga opisyales ng PAGCOR sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanggal sa karapatan na makapag-operate ng mga casino at iba pang mga libangan na kauri nito.
Kung magiging ganap nang batas, ang pagbibigay na lamang ng permit to operate sa mga pribadong casino at gaming establishments ang magiging pangunahing trabaho ng PAGCOR.
Related: Lacson bill seeks to privatize Pagcor casinos
Continue reading “Lacson Bill: PAGCOR Out na sa Operasyon ng mga Casino”
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) may have to give up its operation of casinos, if a bill filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is passed into law.
Senate Bill 1471 aims to address Pagcor’s “conflicting” roles of regulating and operating gambling casinos by having the agency focus on regulating the industry and giving up its role as operator of such establishments.
“In order to promote a level playing field in the gambling industry and avoid conflict of interests, Pagcor should cede its role as operator of all gambling and gaming activities. Through such manner, it can focus and put premium to its regulatory authority, which is its governmental role,” Lacson said in his bill.
Related: Lacson bill: PAGCOR out na sa operasyon ng mga casino
Continue reading “Lacson Bill Seeks to Privatize Pagcor Casinos”
Ibayo pang kapangyarihan para makapag-impok ng pondong pantulong sa mga mahihirap na mamamayan sa bansa ang nakatakdang matamasa ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) sa ilalim ng panukalang isinulong ni Senador Panfilo Lacson.
Batay sa nilalaman ng Senate Bill 1470 na inihain ni Lacson, magiging pangunahing mandato na ng PCSO ang pangangalap ng pondo para sa pangmedikal na alalay sa mga mahihirap na mamamayan ng bansa kaya paiiksin na rin ang pangalan ng ahensiya.
Mula sa umiiral na PCSO, tatanggalin na ang salitang “sweepstakes” kung kaya’t sa ilalim ng panukala, ang ahensiya ay tatagurian nang Philippine Charity Office (PCO) dahil sa nabanggit na prayoridad nito.
Related: PCSO gets new name, much-needed charter update vs graft via Lacson bill
Continue reading “Lacson Bill: PCSO Patitibayin pa sa Pagtulong sa Mahihirap”
After being mired in irregularities in past years, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office may get a much-needed update in its charter to help it keep up with new variations of lotteries and make it more accountable.
Senate Bill 1470, filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson, also gives the agency – whose present charter dates way back to 1954 – a new name: the Philippine Charity Office.
“The provisions in this bill allow the PCSO Charter to adapt to the changing system of and emerging variations of lotteries and similar activities. The bill also seeks to strengthen the Charter by one, making the PCSO more accountable to the public; and two, limiting its discretion in the distribution of its funds,” Lacson said.
Related: Lacson bill: PCSO patitibayin pa sa pagtulong sa mahihirap
Continue reading “PCSO Gets New Name, Much-Needed Charter Update vs Graft via Lacson Bill”
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I have the honor to report on the floor Senate Bill 909, authored by Hon. Sherwin Gatchalian and co-authored by the Hon. Joel Villanueva, entitled An Act Increasing the Penalties for Other Illegal Gambling Activities, amending for the Purpose RA 9287 entitled An Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games, amending certain provisions of PD 1602 and for Other Purposes as embodied in Committee Report 77.
Mr. President, fellow members of this august chamber, I have the honor to report on the Senate floor the result of the inquiry, in aid of legislation, conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the Privilege Speech of Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV regarding the public confession of retired SPO3 Arturo Lascañas on the existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), as embodied in Committee Report No. 97.
Mr. President, one night in September 2015, an ailing man while undergoing dialysis in a hospital in Davao City, dreamt that the devil was inside his room. The dream seemed so real, he even had flashbacks on certain incidents of his life, particularly the times when he killed people. He recalled calling the name of Jesus and made a promise to serve His will from thereon. Thereafter, he found himself saved by a child-like image appearing from a bright light. He then woke up from his dream and became a renewed man. That was the story of the spiritual awakening of Mr. Arturo Lascañas.
More than a year later, or on October 3, 2016, the same man was summoned by the Senate committee on justice and human rights to testify under oath as to the alleged existence of and the President’s participation and involvement in the Davao Death Squad (DDS). Before proceeding, he took an oath before everyone present in this very hall and in front of the entire nation, invoking the name of God to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Continue reading “Sponsorship Speech for the Committee Report on the Claims of SPO3 Arturo Lascañas”
Delivered at the New World Hotel, Makati City
Italian poet Cesare Pavese said, and I wish to paraphrase: “Men do not tend to remember days. They remember moments.”
Every time we look back to stories of the past, we cannot always tell specifically what happened “before” and “after,” what really transpired in between, who did what, and why. However, if we recall every important event in our lives – those that were so crucial and transformative – we can easily single out one very striking episode and say: that moment changed everything.
Continue reading “Speech Before the Rotary Club of Makati Central”
It only shows a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy under the Duterte administration, which is apparently a declaration of independence from the influence of the west, i.e. US and EU, who are using grants and trade as the proverbial stick and carrot.
It also speaks volumes about the President’s determined position to stand up against the traditional patrons of former colonies like the Philippines.
I am not ready to say this early if this is the right direction of our foreign policy. Only time can tell if it will do our country right or not, or if it is all worth giving a chance to be tested.
If only we do not have a territorial dispute with China, it is easier to concede that it is all worth the gamble.
*****
Likewise, the Committee deliberated on the nominations of three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the ad interim appointments of two Foreign Service Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Chairman, having evaluated their fitness and qualifications, your Committee ruled that the three nominees and two appointees possess all the fitness and qualifications to the positions which they were nominated or appointed.
Mr. Chairman, this morning, this Representation, being the Chairman of your Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over probably the shortest public hearing to recommend to this honorable commission to give its consent to the nomination of Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano as the Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs.
In the spirit of consistency, I will now deliver the shortest sponsorship speech. Thus, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, it is my distinct honor and privilege to move that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
*****
Now that the President has clarified his statement, it’s time to move on from the ugly Lopez episode in the Commission on Appointments.
While I do not regret my rejection vote as I will always maintain that I did the right thing based on my own evaluation and appreciation of the confirmation proceedings, I’m sorry that eventually, I was forced to bring out in the open the reasons why I decided to reject her confirmation.
I just felt that I needed to set the record straight, owing to the massive social media bashing and overreaction by the uninformed among our people who got carried away by massive disinformation and the noise created by what could have been a routine exercise of our constitutional mandate.
*****
While I am sure the president’s “money lobby talks” comment does not apply to me and I have already cited my reasons for rejecting Ms. Lopez, I think it is unfortunate if not inappropriate and uncalled for. It is a sweeping assault not only on the integrity of the members of the CA who voted for rejection but the CA itself, being an independent constitutional body.
I am almost sure, those members who are his staunchest allies in both houses of Congress, will not cast their votes without first seeking his guidance. Just to be clear, I am not referring to myself in this regard.
*****
Confirmation of a presidential appointee or nominee, especially a Cabinet member, by the Commission on Appointments always follows two basic criteria: fitness and qualification. Passion and enthusiasm do not automatically translate into the two criteria.
Ms. Regina Paz Lopez obviously has a lot of passion and enthusiasm, but evidently, in my own observation and analysis of her performance during the entire confirmation proceedings, she is not fit for the job nor is she qualified. Worse, she admittedly arrogated unto herself the authority which is not prescribed under the existing laws of the land. That makes her potentially dangerous as a department head. Further, she has authoritarian tendencies.
On a personal note, I hate being intimidated and pressured in the performance of my duties as a legislator and member of the CA. Her supporters can speculate all they want why I voted to reject her confirmation but these are my reasons and nothing more.
*****
President Duterte is wrong about the power and influence of international pressure on China. Studies show that arbitral rulings are normally defied if not ignored by losing claimants of contested territories, albeit temporarily. In the course of time, these countries almost always eventually give up and comply with the ruling due to international pressure. We should not miss the ASEAN summit to avail ourselves with that opportunity, lest we would regret it.
He may be correct, though, that decided disputes cannot be resolved militarily, even assuming that we can match China’s military hardware and troops. The same studies say as much.
*****
If true, these policemen are no better than the kidnap-for-ransom gangs that I used to chase throughout my law enforcement career. Those responsible must therefore be treated no differently from those criminal syndicates that they themselves are mandated to neutralize.
This is definitely another big challenge that the PNP leadership has to resolve with dispatch. There is no other way.
*****
It’s long in coming. Nevertheless, I still appreciate his gesture of humility and courage in doing so. Needless to say, I accept his apology.
Yes, I was informed that ex-ISAFP Chief Victor Corpus has finally admitted publicly that he had unjustly wronged me by being taken for a ride by a “fraud,” obviously referring to Angelo “Ador” Mawanay, who himself had retracted 13 years earlier, even pointing to those who were responsible in suborning him to commit perjury against me.
In the spirit of fairness and balanced reporting, I think it is but proper and decent for those who relied heavily on their statements, as the central characters responsible for incessantly maligning my reputation to follow suit, or at least make amends, not pecuniarily, but simply to restore the moral damage they have done to my dignity and honor.
*****
It is the responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, as well as all law-abiding citizens of this country, to protect former President Aquino and all those placed under the liquidation list of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) who, by any definition, are enemies of the state.
Having said that, there is only one duly constituted authority that can mete out any form of penalty against anybody found violating the laws of the land, and that is a court of law of the Republic of the Philippines. Anybody else is unauthorized and therefore illegal.
Hence, they should be made criminally liable if and when they perform such criminal act.
*****
Mr. President, fellow members of this august chamber, this representation has the honor to report on the Senate floor the result of the inquiry, in aid of legislation, conducted jointly by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, into the killing of Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. of Albuera Leyte, as embodied in Committee Report No. 46.
Mr. Chairman, this representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over two public hearings on February 22 and March 8, 2017 to deliberate on the ad interim appointment of DFA Secretary-designate Perfecto Rivas Yasay, Jr. which was submitted to the Committee’s jurisdiction for its consideration.
In the short course of time since the appointment of Secretary Yasay, various compelling issues have been leveled at him in magnified proportions – all considerably relevant and pertinent to the deliberation of his fitness and qualification as the Foreign Affairs Secretary. Continue reading “On the Appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr. as DFA Secretary”
An act establishing a TESDA regional training center in Mimaropa region and appropriating funds therefor.
An act reapportioning the lone legislative district and Sangguniang Panglungsod of Iloilo City.
“RES INTER ALIOS ACTA” rule – this is a law doctrine that even a bar flunker would know and should know. It simply means – A THING DONE BETWEEN OTHERS DOES NOT HARM OR BENEFIT OTHERS.
An exception to this rule is when there is conspiracy.
Para kay retired SPO3 Arthur Bariquit Lascañas, upang mas madali po ninyong maunawaan ang doktrinang RES INTER ALLOS ACTA, babasahin ko ang ilang bahagi ng isang desisyon ng Kataas taasang Hukuman ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa kasong Harold Tamargo vs Romulo Awingan, et. al. na inilabas noong ika-19 ng Enero 2010 at iniakda ng yumaong dating Punong Mahistrado, Renato Corona. Thus, the Court ruled and I quote: Continue reading “Opening Statement at the Senate Hearing of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs”
Hayaan ninyong simulan ko ang aking maigsing mensahe sa pamamagitan ng pagbahagi ng mga salita ng pinakamayamang tao sa mundo sa kasalukuyan. Ayon kay Bill Gates: “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
Today, speaking before the PNP’s primary arm against kidnap-for- ransom gangs almost instinctively strikes sentimentality from reflections of decades ago.
Continue reading “Speech at the 5th Founding Anniversary of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group”
At the IWWI, Trece Martirez City, Cavite
The Supreme Court has aptly described our nation’s worst crisis issue today, and I quote: “Drug addiction has been one of the most pernicious evils that has ever crept into our society, for those who become addicted to it not only slide into the ranks of the living dead, but even worse, become a grave menace to the safety of law-abiding members of society.”
Marami sa atin marahil ay hindi nakikita ang mas malalim ng dahilan sa pagtitipong ito, dahil hindi lubos na naunawaan ang positibong epekto ng pagsira ng shabu sa umagang ito.
Let’s review our high school math. Ang sisirain natin mamaya, 311.64 kilograms ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P435.87 million. Bukod sa nagpapakita ng puspusang pagsisikap ng PDEA at ng mga alagad ng batas para mapuksa ang iligal na droga sa bansa, ay mas malalim pang kahulugan ang maaring nakakaligtaan nating bigyan ng halaga.
Continue reading “Speech at the PDEA’s Destruction of Seized Dangerous Drugs in Cavite”
Magandang panimula ang push-up pero dapat na sundan ito ng higit na epektibong sistema ng pagdidisiplina sa mga tiwali at mapang-abusong pulis hanggang sa muling tumino ang Philippine National Police (PNP).
Ito ang naging tugon ni Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs Chairman at dating PNP Chief Panfilo Lacson, kasunod ng nabanggit parusa na ipinataw ni PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa sa ma pulis na sangkot sa pangingidnap at pangongotong sa mga Koreano sa Angeles, Pampanga.
“Magandang mensahe, symbolic ang push-up at ang mura and everything, but it should go beyond that. Ang hinihintay ng tao, ano bang positibong aksyon aside from meting out the appropriate or commensurate punishment?” banggit ni Lacson nang matanong sa naturang usapin.
Related: Lacson to PNP leadership: Follow up good start to internal cleansing bid
Continue reading “Lacson sa PNP Leadership: Dapat Hindi Lang Push-Up”
Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa is off to a good start in implementing a much-needed internal cleansing of the police force but will need to go beyond scolding cops linked to wrongdoing, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said.
Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001, said the public expects more positive action other than a strong reprimand, such as meting out the commensurate punishment for erring police personnel.
“Magandang mensahe, symbolic ang push-up at ang mura and everything, but it should go beyond that. Ang hinihintay ng tao, ano bang positibong aksyon aside from meting out the appropriate or commensurate punishment?” he said.
Related: Lacson sa PNP leadership: Dapat hindi lang push-up
Continue reading “Lacson to PNP Leadership: Follow Up Good Start to Internal Cleansing Bid”
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Amnesty International’s claim of cops being paid to kill
– Reported plan to tap soldiers to go after rogue cops
– The reported plan to revive the PH Constabulary
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On claims of cops being paid to kill, and a reported plan to tap soldiers vs rogue cops | Feb. 1, 2017”
Umarangkada na ang Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso para mapabilis ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa mga tauhan at opisyal ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na sangkot sa mga katiwalian at kriminalidad.
Naisampa na kasi ni Senador Panfilo Lacson, chairman ng Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs, ang Senate Bill 1310 na naglalayong palakasin at pabilisin ang kapangyarihan ng Internal Affairs Service (IAS) ng PNP, kaisa-isang sangay ng institusyon na naatasang dumisiplina sa mga mapang-abuso at tiwaling pulis.
Sa ilalim ng naturang panukala, pabibilisin na ang imbestigasyon ng IAS sa mga pulis na sangkot sa kung anu-anong katiwalian upang kagyat din na mapatawan ng karampatang parusa ang mga ito.
Related: Lacson bill gives PNP’s IAS more teeth vs erring cops
The Internal Affairs Service (IAS), the Philippine National Police’s institutional watchdog agency, may soon get more teeth to curb abuses and further enhance discipline in the police agency, with a bill filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson.
Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001, said Senate Bill 1310 seeks to make the IAS more effective and efficient, especially in the light of the anti-drug war being implemented by the present administration.
“In order for IAS to fulfill (its) functions, it is crucial that the pertinent provisions of the law guarantee that the organization is capacitated and empowered in instilling discipline and enhancing performance of personnel and units of the police force at all levels of its command,” he said.
Related: Lacson Bill: PNP-IAS lalagyan ng ngipin
Continue reading “Lacson Bill Gives PNP’s IAS More Teeth vs Erring Cops”
Citing the government’s focus on rogue police personnel in its restructured war against illegal drugs, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is suspending the Senate’s hearings on “tokhang for ransom” incidents involving scalawags in uniform.
Lacson, who chairs the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs that held a hearing on the matter last week, said it would be wise that the Senate wait and see how the major changes in the anti-drug war will work out.
“In view of the massive restructuring of the war against drugs to focus on rogue cops as ordered by the President, it is my view that the Senate wait and see how this latest development plays out. Having said that, I am suspending the hearings on the ‘tokhang for ransom’ issue,” he said.
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Lacson showed CCTV footage of rogue policemen ransacking an establishment, on the pretense of conducting an anti-drug operation.
In an ambush interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the plan to relocate the Senate
– the Mamasapano incident’s 2nd anniversary
Quotes from the interview:
Continue reading “#PingSays: On the Senate’s relocation and the 2nd anniversary of the Mamasapano incident | Jan. 25, 2017”
“Punuan ang mga naging pagkukulang at huwag kalilimutan na dahil armado at may kapangyarihan ang mga tauhan, hindi malayong ang iba sa mga ito ay gumawa ng kabalbalan.” – Sen. Lacson’s advice to Gen. dela Rosa
This is probably the most unwelcome wake-up call for Director General Ronald de la Rosa. Having said that, the PNP leadership should lose no time in addressing the issue by henceforth going hammer and tongs against all rogue cops who only care about their personal gains to the detriment of the entire police organization.
Priority must be against those who take advantage of the president’s all-out, mostly bloody war against illegal drugs.
Seventeen years ago, when I was the Chief PNP, I really hit hard on the inept, corrupt and undisciplined policemen, regardless of rank, or what I referred to at that time as ICUs. My primary concern was to do justice to the sacrifices of the overwhelmingly many honest and hardworking police officers.
Director General dela Rosa knows that, and I’m certain he knows how to do it because he was one of those at the forefront of our no-nonsense internal cleansing of the police.
*****
Health benefits and the government’s revenue generation should be the main considerations of the sin tax law.
On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said the present Sin Tax Reform Act (RA 10351), which provides for a shift to a unitary instead of a two-tiered tax system for tobacco products, should be allowed to take its course.
“Whatever will benefit the health sector as well as the government’s revenue generation, I would support. Initially, I’d rather allow the present law to take its course, that is, to allow the automatic shift to (a unitary tax system), monitor and review the implications before taking any legislative intervention, but most importantly, prevent leakages in the sin tax collections,” Lacson said.
Continue reading “Lacson: Unitary Tax System Best for Health Sector under Sin Tax Law”
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.