Tag: Advocacies

#PingSays: ‘Shared’ House Speakership; Death Penalty Bill; Sen. Bato | July 9, 2019

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
possible effects of a ‘shared’ House Speakership
– possible ‘pork’ in the budget, amending the 1987 Constitution
– Senate’s continued independence even with ‘the President’s men’
– passage of death penalty bill
– Sen dela Rosa’s ‘S*** happens’ statement

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “#PingSays: ‘Shared’ House Speakership; Death Penalty Bill; Sen. Bato | July 9, 2019”

Interview on DZBB/GMA News TV: WPS Issue a Matter of Nationalism | June 30, 2019

In an interview on DZBB/GMA News TV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Nationalism amid West Philippine Sea row
– On possibly bigger graft case at PhilHealth
– Corruption at the Bureau of Customs

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB/GMA News TV: WPS Issue a Matter of Nationalism | June 30, 2019”

Tugon sa Tangkang Pagtatakip ni ‘Atty’ Gonzalo Duque sa Usaping Conflict of Interest

conflict of interest

Abogado pa naman siya. Pakisaksak sa baga niya the following provision of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials), para magkaalaman kung sino ang tanga or nagtatanga-tangahan:

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Sec. 7., Prohibited Acts and TransactionsIn addition to acts and omissions of public officials and employees now prescribed in the Constitution and existing laws, the following shall constitute prohibited acts and transactions of any public official and employee and are hereby declared to be unlawful:

(a) Financial and material interest. – Public officials and employees shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.

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Ayan. Ang sabi ng batas, directly or INDIRECTLY.

*****

Related: Read: PhilHealth’s Contract to Rent a Building Owned by DOH Sec. Duque’s Family

Read: PhilHealth’s Contract to Rent a Building Owned by DOH Sec. Duque’s Family

The Philippine Insurance Health Corp. (PhilHealth)’s Regional Office 1 in Dagupan City is leasing a building owned by the family of PhilHealth board chairman and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

If this is not conflict of interest, I don’t know what is. Building mo, naka-contract of lease ka, and that is a family corporation,” said Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson, who disclosed the contents of the contract, at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on June 19, 2019.

Interview on DZBB: PhilHealth Row and Universal Health Care | June 16, 2019

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on the PhilHealth row, including:
– possible implications on the government’s Universal Health Care program
– how the NBI is handling the case
– how the National ID system can help stop fraudulent health claims
– how the public can help prevent a repeat of the mess

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB: PhilHealth Row and Universal Health Care | June 16, 2019”

Interview on DWIZ: On Chinese Vessel Sinking PH Boat; Sen-elect Bong Go’s Help vs ‘Pork’ | June 15, 2019

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– sinking of a Philippine fishing boat by a Chinese vessel
– corruption at PhilHealth
– Sen-elect Bong Go’s potential help vs pork

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ: On Chinese Vessel Sinking PH Boat; Sen-elect Bong Go’s Help vs ‘Pork’ | June 15, 2019”

Frequently Asked Questions about the National ID System

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Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Philippine ID (National ID) system, which will have its pilot testing in September.

Related:
National ID System Tops Lacson’s Accomplishment List in 3rd Regular Session
Batas Na! Lacson Expects National ID System to Speed Up Transactions, Deter Crime
Read: RA 11055, An Act Establishing the Philippine Identification System (National ID)
Continue reading “Frequently Asked Questions about the National ID System”

Lacson: P9 Billion in ‘Pork’ Lump Sum Now Available for Urgent Items in 2019 Budget

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At least P9 billion in “pork” lump sums will now be available for “urgent” items in the proposed P3.7-trillion budget for 2019, after Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson moved for this Tuesday evening.

The P9 billion represents the increase in the Assistance to Local Government Unit (ALGU), after the proposed national budget went through the House of Representatives.

“Yung P9 billion, baka pwede ma-realign natin to other items in the budget,” Lacson said during his interpellation of the budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government for the coming year.

He pointed out the DILG did not propose the additional P9 billion for the ALGU, nor had a role in evaluating it. Continue reading “Lacson: P9 Billion in ‘Pork’ Lump Sum Now Available for Urgent Items in 2019 Budget”

#PingTweets: On the SC decision on the PNP’s purchase of used choppers in 2009: Let ax fall on the ‘mastermind’

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In 2011, Sen. Lacson exposed irregularities in the P105-million purchase of helicopters by the Philippine National Police and initiated a Senate investigation into it.
By intentionally misrepresenting the helicopters they were selling as brand new and likewise, by intentionally accepting the same as such, both MAPTRA and the PNP may have entered into an anomalous contract which not only gave unwarranted benefits or advantage to a party but also one which is manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government in violation of Section 3 (E) and (G) of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Related:
Arroyos’ used choppers sold to PNP in 2009
Lacson initiates probe on P105-M PNP chopper purchase
SC affirms Ombudsman dismissal of PNP execs in mess (Ombudsman website)

Interview on DZMM | Jan. 29, 2018

In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– On new corruption modus at the Bureau of Customs
– Gambling lords lording it at PCSO
– Swiss challenge for major infrastructure projects

Related: PCSO’s problems with illegal gambling operators

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Jan. 29, 2018”

#PingTweets: On the firing (and hiring) of corrupt officials

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#PingSays: Committee hearing on alleged misuse of public funds for road right-of-way project in General Santos City | Dec. 11, 2017

“We should bust that syndicate not only outside DPWH but inside as well. Helpless ang sa kabilang side ng sindikato kung walang contact sa loob ng DPWH.” – Sen. Lacson at the Dec. 11 Senate hearing on ROW claims in General Santos City

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Watch: Sen. Lacson at the hearing on alleged anomalies involving ROW projects in General Santos City [2 parts]… Continue reading “#PingSays: Committee hearing on alleged misuse of public funds for road right-of-way project in General Santos City | Dec. 11, 2017”

Interview on DWIZ | Oct. 21, 2017

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Marawi fighting
– Rehab works in Marawi
– Atio Castillo hazing case

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Oct. 21, 2017”

Interview on DZBB | Oct. 20, 2017

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Strengthening penalties vs cover-ups following Atio Castillo’s hazing death
– Possibility of others aside from Balag being detained

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Oct. 20, 2017”

#PingTweets: On one whose only defense mechanism is to bark at anybody who crosses his path

Interview on ANC | Oct. 17, 2017

In an interview on ANC, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Pulse Asia survey on the war vs drugs
– PDEA’s lead role in anti-drug war
– On the Senate holding impeachment trials

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on ANC | Oct. 17, 2017”

Interview on DZMM | Oct. 5, 2017

In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Corruption in the BOC
– Efforts by the new leadership to effect reforms

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Oct. 5, 2017”

Ito ang nagdudumilat na katotohanan sa kalakalan ng shabu sa bansa. Lulubha pa ito kung di mawawakasan ang katiwalian sa BOC.

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At the Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing on Corruption at the BOC

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#PingSays: On alleged extort try on ex-Sen Estrada, war on drugs, invitation to Church on EJKs, BOC corruption | Oct. 3, 2017

In an ambush interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– alleged extortion try on former Sen. Estrada
– criticism on the war vs drugs
– inviting Church to give info on killings

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On alleged extort try on ex-Sen Estrada, war on drugs, invitation to Church on EJKs, BOC corruption | Oct. 3, 2017”

Kung walang tara, bababa ang presyo ng imported goods kaya mas maraming Pinoy ang makakatamasa sa mga ito.

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Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 30, 2017

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– his economic sabotage complaint before the Ombudsman
– possibility of holding Senate sessions up to Friday

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 30, 2017”

Faeldon, Sinampal ni Lacson ng Economic Sabotage sa Ombudsman

Dahil sa pagpapalusot ng mga nakumpiskang ipinuslit na bigas papasok sa loob ng bansa, personal na sinampahan ni Senador Panfilo Lacson ng kasong economic sabotage sa Office of the Ombudsman si dating Bureau of Customs (BOC) Chief Nicanor Faeldon.

Ang pagsasampa ng naturang kaso ay bunsod na rin ng mahigit P34 milyon na halaga ng bigas na una nang nasabat sa pantalan ng Cagayan De Oro City ngayong tayon dahil sa kakulangan ng import permits pero mahimalang naipalabas sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Faeldon sa BOC.

Related: First of many cases: Lacson hales Faeldon and company before Ombudsman over rice smuggling

Continue reading “Faeldon, Sinampal ni Lacson ng Economic Sabotage sa Ombudsman”

First of Many Cases: Lacson Hales Faeldon and Company before Ombudsman over Rice Smuggling

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson haled ex-Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and several others before the Office of the Ombudsman Thursday for economic sabotage, in the wake of a rice smuggling case in Cagayan de Oro earlier this year.

Lacson said this is only the first of several complaints to be filed against Faeldon, adding he and his staff are working on similar cases based on documents they had obtained.

Related: Faeldon sinampal ni Lacson ng economic sabotage sa Ombudsman

Continue reading “First of Many Cases: Lacson Hales Faeldon and Company before Ombudsman over Rice Smuggling”

At a Glance: Sen. Lacson’s Complaint Before the Ombudsman

The complaint stemmed from the entry of rice worth some PHP34.043 million, without the required import permits, earlier this year. It cites violations of:
– RA 10845, Sections 3a and 3c (agricultural smuggling)
– RA 3019, Sections 3e and 3j (graft and corruption)
– Grave Misconduct

Respondents:
– Ex-BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon
– NFA Administrator Jason Aquino
– Tomas Alcid, former district collector at Cagayan de Oro port
– Geniefelle Lagmay, Customs liaison officer to NFA of the Office of the BOC Commissioner
– Directors/officers of Cebu Lite Trading Inc., including Filomena Lim, Lucio Roger Lim Jr., Rowena Lim, Joselito Lopez, Josephine Rizalde, and Ambrosio Ursal Jr.

Sen. Lacson also sought the preventive suspension of Aquino, Alcid and Lagmay.

Continue reading “At a Glance: Sen. Lacson’s Complaint Before the Ombudsman”

Sen. Lacson Files Complaint vs ex-BOC Commissioner Faeldon, Others for Graft, Rice Smuggling

“May susunod pa. Mahirap magipon ng lalo sa BOC nawawala ang dokumento at ibang active BOC officials and personnel medyo atubili magbigay ng affidavit. Dito may 2 testigo taga-roon.”

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Continue reading “Sen. Lacson Files Complaint vs ex-BOC Commissioner Faeldon, Others for Graft, Rice Smuggling”

Napakalinaw ng batas laban sa mga tiwaling opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaan.

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Kapag taumbayan ang naagrabyado, sinisinop muna ng imbestigador ang mga ebidensiya upang ang may sala ay maparusahan.

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#PingSays: On hazing, corruption in BOC, and proposal for legislative police | Sept. 26, 2017

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– investigation into the fatal hazing of Horacio Castillo III
– reported proposal for legislative police

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On hazing, corruption in BOC, and proposal for legislative police | Sept. 26, 2017”

Kayabangan at pagiging ipokrito, ‘yan ang magpapatagal kay Faeldon sa kulungan sa Senado

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#PingSays: On ‘tripleng tara’ and other forms of corruption at BOC | Sept. 25, 2017

Sen. Lacson answers questions on the forms of extortion at the Bureau of Customs, after a hearing on the issue on Monday.

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On ‘tripleng tara’ and other forms of corruption at BOC | Sept. 25, 2017”

At the Hearing on Corruption in the Bureau of Customs

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On the special stop order:
“Nag-tara sa green lane… tatarahan uli sa pamamagitan ng pag-issue ng special stop order.”
“Pagkatapos maka-green lane ka kasi nag-tara ka, regular tara, i-issue-han ka pa ng special stop order, bukod pa yung alert order, may gastos pa rin yan. Ang pinakita kanina gaano kalawak ang pag in-issue-han ka pa ng special stop order, panibagong negotiation. And yan P250-300K more gagastusin mo pag na-special stop order ka. At nag-issue lang ng special stop order ang commissioner ng BOC as testified to by the resource persons. So sino rin mag-lift? E di commissioner ng BOC.”
“Labas ito sa tara na regular. Pag special stop ka luluha ka ng dugo.”

On corruption at the BOC:
“Bank statements won’t lie. Call logs won’t lie. Text messages won’t lie. Ano bang pruweba gusto makita ni Mr Faeldon… at abot sa opisina niya ang corruption.”
“There’s a saying, ‘Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.’ Sa atin … ‘ang pinakamapanganib ay ang tanga na pinagdudunugan at corrupt na naglilinis-linisan.’”

On the need for sustained reform at BOC:
“I think it’s time consider natin baguhin ang takbo sa BOC para di malagay sa year in year out pag nag-survey ang SWS kayo most corrupt agency. Di ba nakakahiya yan?”

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Interview on DZBB | Sept. 24, 2017

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– the Sept 25 hearing on the fatal hazing of Horacio Castillo III
– what Mark Taguba may reveal at the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on corruption at the Bureau of Customs
– cashless society to eliminate corruption
– wiretapping of suspected drug personalities

Quotes from the interview… 
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Sept. 24, 2017”

Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 23, 2017

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– the surrender of John Paul Solano
– the hearing on the fatal hazing of Horacio Castillo III on Sept. 25
– the CHR’s 2018 budget
– corruption at the BOC

Quotes from the interview… 
Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 23, 2017”

At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing on Corruption at the BOC

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Watch: Videos of the hearing [2 parts]

Continue reading “At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing on Corruption at the BOC”

Interview on DZMM | Sept. 19, 2017

In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Wholesale tara at BOC
– Kicking the Friday 3 p.m. habit under the new leadership

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Sept. 19, 2017”

#PingSays: On the ethics complaint and ongoing hearings on corruption at BOC | Sept. 18, 2017

“It’s not even an irritant. Mahilig sa drama eh.”

#PingSays: On the ethics complaint | Sept. 18, 2017

“But again, that’s his right. He can file and file and file and file. Ang response ko sa kanya, I’m also filing a criminal case against him sa Ombudsman.”

#PingTweets: On choosing between an ethics complaint and exposing endemic corruption

On Ex-Commissioner Faeldon’s Plan to File an Ethics Complaint

It is the right of anybody to file an ethics complaint against any senator. In fact, that was the advice to him by Sen. Gordon when he visited him in his detention place.

The Constitution, however, is clear on the matter. Thus, Article VI states:
SECTION 11. A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress is in session. NO MEMBER SHALL BE QUESTIONED NOR BE HELD LIABLE IN ANY OTHER PLACE FOR ANY SPEECH OR DEBATE IN THE CONGRESS OR IN ANY COMMITTEE THEREOF.

Therefore, it is his right to waste bond paper and ink. Anyway, he has the money to pay his lawyers even if it’s tantamount to an exercise in futility and stupidity.

*****

Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 14, 2017

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– The CHR’s slashed budget
– Why the CHR is ‘needed’

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 14, 2017”

Interview on DZMM | Sept. 13, 2017

In an interiew on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Restoring the CHR’s slashed budget
– Postponement of barangay/SK elections
– Senate committees as collegial bodies
– Corruption in the BOC

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Sept. 13, 2017”

#PingSays: On corruption in the BOC | Sept. 11, 2017

“Ang bini-build up ko ngayon mga ebidensya… Ang susunod na dapat gawin is mai-translate into concrete evidence ang nalalaman nating corruption sa BOC. And that I intend to do. Ang sinasabi ko nga, isa lang ang dapat puntahan nito na logical conclusion. Umabot sa Ombudsman, umabot sa korte at para mapanagot ang matagal na kawatan ng gobyerno.”

At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing on Corruption at the BOC

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More details…  Continue reading “At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing on Corruption at the BOC”

Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 9, 2017

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Conclusion of the evidence gathered on corruption in BOC
– 3 p.m. habit at the BOC
– Mark Taguba

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 9, 2017”

Kailan pa tatalikod sa katiwalian ang BOC? Sana di pa huli ang lahat…

Lalong lumubha ang katiwalian sa BOC dahil sa pagkakapuslit ng sangkaterbang shabu. Kailan matitigil ang gawaing ito?

At the Senate Hearing on Corruption in the BOC

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Related: Sen. Lacson’s privilege speech on corruption at the BOC
Watch: Videos of the hearing [3 parts]

Continue reading “At the Senate Hearing on Corruption in the BOC”

#PingSays: On the upcoming hearing on corruption in the BOC | Sept. 5, 2017

#PingTweets: On sincere ignorance, conscientious stupidity

Lacson sa Ex-BOC Chief: Walang Technical Smuggling ng Semento; Attempted Tara, Meron?

Sa halip na smuggling, maaring tangkang pangongotong o tara ang pakay ng nagbitiw na si dating Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon sa akusasyon nito kay Senador Panfilo Lacson.

Lumalabas kasi sa pag-aaral at mga dokumentong nakalap ng tanggapan ng mambabatas na ang mga argumento ni Faeldon tungkol sa akusasyon nito na umano’y technical smuggling ng semento ay taliwas sa mga umiiral na panuntunan.

Related: Smuggling, or technical kotong?

Continue reading “Lacson sa Ex-BOC Chief: Walang Technical Smuggling ng Semento; Attempted Tara, Meron?”