Dissenting Vote Against the Ratification of the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the 2017 National Budget

With a heavy heart and much hesitation, I am voting against the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the 2017 national budget.

I do so for various reasons, the most compelling of which is the continuing presence of pork barrel allocations in the 2017 general appropriations bill yet to be enrolled for the President’s approval.

Save for the P3.6 billion that still remains in the DPWH budget and divided among the 8 legislative districts of the ARMM, after we transferred the P8.3 billion to the SUCs, I need not provide the details of the other pork allocations.  Continue reading “Dissenting Vote Against the Ratification of the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the 2017 National Budget”

A new year and a new challenge for Panfilo Lacson [Sunday Times Magazine]

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From The Sunday Times: Much has been said and written about Panfilo “Ping” Morena Lacson Sr., the 67-year-old statesman who was born out of humble beginnings in Imus, Cavite on June 1, 1948. A principled Caviteño ever since his youth, Lacson became a permanent fixture in the political landscape because of his love for country, and truth and justice.  Continue reading “A new year and a new challenge for Panfilo Lacson [Sunday Times Magazine]”

Interview on GMA News TV | June 4, 2014

In an interview on GMA News TV, Sec. Lacson answered questions on:
– ‘Napolist,’ the list of lawmakers who dealt with Janet Lim-Napoles
– whether the legislature can recover from the Napoles scandal

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on GMA News TV | June 4, 2014”

Pork Barrel 101

Speech delivered before Philconsa at Manila Golf Club, Makati City

Greetings.

The great Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”

The country has enough funds to sustain government operations year after year, but always ends up short and resorts to borrowings. There are two reasons for it – greed and corruption.  Continue reading “Pork Barrel 101”

Interview on GMA News TV | Oct. 9, 2013

In an interview on GMA News TV, former Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– the list of alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Napoles
– Development Acceleration Program funds

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on GMA News TV | Oct. 9, 2013”