Tag: 20th Congress

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Lacson Bill Strengthens Ombudsman’s Anti-Corruption Powers with Marshall Service

To strengthen the Office of the Ombudsman in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to fight corruption, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has filed a bill creating a law enforcement service that would empower it to effect arrests and detention, searches and seizures in accordance with the law – and said he is prepared to expedite its passage.

Lacson said this is one of the ways to show his “appreciation and sympathy” for the Office of the Ombudsman after seeing the challenges it faces in probing various cases involving flood control, reclamation and other infrastructure projects.

In Filipino: Lacson Bill, Palalakasin ang Anti-Corruption Powers ng Ombudsman sa Pamamagitan ng Marshall Service

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Lacson Resolution Seeks Probe into EDSA Rehab Projects After Fresh Potholes Emerge

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is seeking an investigation into the rehabilitation and repair of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) after fresh potholes emerged on newly repaired portions of the highway following recent monsoon rains.

Lacson’s Senate Resolution 594 directs the Senate Committee on Public Works to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation with the end in view of reviewing design and engineering standards and ensuring accountability in public infrastructure.

“For nearly a week, persistent southwest monsoon (habagat) rains have drenched parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila; damaging several main thoroughfares, including recently rehabilitated sections of EDSA. The presence of fresh potholes means the newly repaired avenue will already require another round of maintenance,” he said in his resolution.

“Rapid deterioration of recently rehabilitated roads, most notably EDSA, just months after completion exposes deep-seated flaws in the planning, design, construction, and management of high-cost public infrastructure projects,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson Resolution, Sisiyasatin ang EDSA Rehab Projects Matapos Muling Lumitaw ang mga Lubak

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Lacson Bills Seek Higher Retirement Age for PNP, BJMP, BFP Personnel

Two bills filed by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson seek to raise the compulsory retirement age for personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) from 56 to 57.

In Senate Bills 2395 and 2396, Lacson said the proposed adjustment would allow the three agencies to maximize the expertise, leadership and institutional knowledge of their senior officers, while giving them more time to pass these on to younger personnel.

“This bill, which seeks to increase the retirement age of the members of the PNP to fifty-seven (57) years old, intends to give the PNP leadership more time to implement their intended institutional reforms and for the institution to maximize the years-worth of knowledge and skills of their personnel,” he said in Senate Bill 2395, which seeks to increase the retirement age for PNP uniformed personnel from 56 to 57.

Lacson added that Senate Bill 2396, which similarly seeks to increase the compulsory retirement age for BJMP and BFP members to 57, aims “to give the senior officers of the BJMP and BFP the opportunity to maximize their expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge while providing additional time to impart the same to the younger officers of the bureau.”

In Filipino: Lacson Bills, Naglalayong Itaas ang Retirement Age ng PNP, BJMP, BFP Personnel

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Lacson Resolution Seeks Probe into ‘Bill Shock,’ Continued Power Rate Hikes

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the continuing increase in electricity rates and the “bill shock” experienced by consumers, amid concerns over unexplained charges, alleged irregularities in meter readings, and system losses ultimately shouldered by law-abiding consumers.

Under Senate Resolution No. 511, Lacson urged the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation, to strengthen transparency, accountability and consumer protection in the power industry.

“(While) access to affordable and reliable electricity is fundamental to promoting Filipinos’ welfare, national productivity, and economic development … residential electricity rates in the Philippines are among the highest in Southeast Asia, ranking second in costs at approximately US$0.18–US$0.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), next only to Singapore’s average of US$0.23 per kWh, thus placing a disproportionate financial burden on Filipino families, workers, and enterprises,” Lacson said in his resolution filed on Monday, July 13.

In Filipino: Lacson, Nais Imbestigahan ang ‘Bill Shock’ at Patuloy na Pagtaas ng Singil sa Kuryente
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Opening Prayer at the Senate Regular Session

Heavenly Father, as we enter our Lenten break in the weeks to come,,we thank and praise You for Your gracious and unconditional love. We ask that You teach us how to turn our hearts back to You.

Help us cleanse our sins and lead us to repentance that we may find healing in Your mercy.

Grant us the strength to surrender our weaknesses. Give us the courage to defeat our fears in the quiet of our hearts. Help us repent with all humility and the grace to follow Your path each day of our lives.

Empower us to live the new life that Your salvation brings, a life that honors You and reflects Your truth and justice, to be worthy of Your Kingdom in the afterlife.

All these we ask in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.