Tag: Charter change

Documents, Statements

Ping: Patawarin na Lang Natin Ulit ang Cha-Cha Pusher sa Kamara

Patawarin uli natin si Cong Garbin – dahil talagang hindi niya alam ang sinasabi niya.

Ito ang reaksiyon ni Senador Panfilo Lacson sa paggamit ni House Committee on Constitutional Amendments chairman Alfredo Garbin Jr. sa isang resolusyon na isinulong ng senador noon pang 17th Congress.

Sa panayam ng Politiko TV, iginiit ni Garbin na ang pagtalakay sa pagbabago sa Saligang Batas na kanilang ginagawa ay batay sa Senate Resolution 580 na inihain ni Lacson noong Enero 2018.

“Under Senate Resolution 580, which I filed in 2018, proposed changes are to undergo the regular lawmaking process. This means proposed amendments to the Charter are to be tackled at the committee level first, then approved in the plenary, before both Houses convene into a constituent assembly. Nowhere in the resolution does it say na committee pa lang, Con-Ass na,” ayon kay Lacson.

Related: Patawarin Natin Ulit: Lacson Trashes Charter Change Proponent’s New Claims
Continue reading “Ping: Patawarin na Lang Natin Ulit ang Cha-Cha Pusher sa Kamara” →

Documents, Statements

Patawarin Natin Ulit: Lacson Trashes Charter Change Proponent’s New Claims

Forgive Cong Garbin yet again. This time – for he knows not what he says.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson debunked on Saturday the new claim by Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. that the tackling of proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution by a House panel last Wednesday was in line with a Senate resolution he authored in the 17th Congress.

Garbin claimed in an online interview Friday that Senate Resolution 580, which Lacson introduced in January 2018, allows both Houses to separately tackle amendments to the Constitution without need for a joint session.

“Under Senate Resolution 580, which I filed in 2018, proposed changes are to undergo the regular lawmaking process. This means proposed amendments to the Charter are to be tackled at the committee level first, then approved in the plenary, before both Houses convene into a constituent assembly. Nowhere in the resolution does it say na committee pa lang, Con-Ass na,” Lacson said.

Related: Ping: Patawarin na Lang Natin Ulit ang Cha-Cha Pusher sa Kamara
Continue reading “Patawarin Natin Ulit: Lacson Trashes Charter Change Proponent’s New Claims” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

#PINGterview: Dapat May Makulong na sa Katiwalian sa PhilHealth!

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
* Expectations at President Duterte’s SONA [00:11]
* Latest corruption and mismanagement at PhilHealth [07:20]
* Claims that IATF is a failure in dealing with COVID-19 [37:04]

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “#PINGterview: Dapat May Makulong na sa Katiwalian sa PhilHealth!” →

Statements

On Constitutional Concerns Regarding the Senate Hearing on ABS-CBN’s Franchise

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Speaker Cayetano may have a point since the Constitution provides that bills of local application like franchise measures must originate from the House of Representatives.

He is wrong in equating it to the Charter change issue, though, since as practiced and for expediency, we conduct committee hearings on tax and budget measures even before the House transmits its approved version of the bill to the Senate.

What can be considered blatantly violative of the Constitution is if the Senate committee chairperson reports out on the floor for plenary debates the committee report. This is something we have not done and will never do.

Having said that, what I understand to be tackled by the Public Services Committee are not the bills in connection with the ABS-CBN franchise but a filed resolution to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the alleged violations of ABS-CBN that is being questioned by the Office of the Solicitor General before the Supreme Court via a quo warranto petition in which I have earlier expressed reservation out of courtesy to a co-equal branch that has already given due course to the said petition.

*****

In the News, Statements

On Move in the House of Representatives to Amend the Constitution

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It is at best, half of the story.

Being bicameral, without the Senate agreeing to amending the Charter via a constituent assembly, no amount of determined efforts by the House members will bring to reality new provisions of the 1987 Constitution, whether economic or political.

*****

In the News, Statements, Videos

#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” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DWIZ | Dec. 15, 2018

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– new scheme involving parking of ‘pork’
– bill seeking the abolition of the Road Board
– moves to amend the 1987 Constitution

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Dec. 15, 2018” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On the President’s health, latest proposed amendments to the Constitution | Oct. 10, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– speculations on the health of President Duterte
– proposed amendments to the Charter by the House
– possibility of suspending fuel taxes

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On the President’s health, latest proposed amendments to the Constitution | Oct. 10, 2018” →

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On some House members’ conflicting claims and actions

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In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On Mocha Uson’s ‘federalism video’

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In the News, Photos, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | Aug. 2, 2018

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– House leadership change and Mayor Sara Duterte’s alleged role
– Lamitan suicide bombing
– Internal cleansing vs scalawags in the PNP
– Charter change and federalism
– Using seized smuggled high-end vehicles vs criminals
– firing of Deputy Ombudsman Carandang
– US proceedings vs Janet Napoles
– TRAIN-2 in the Senate
– proposed 60-40 joint exploration with China in the West PH Sea

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Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | Aug. 2, 2018” →

In the News, Online

Proposals to change 1987 Constitution as good as dead in Senate, Lacson says [Manila Bulletin]

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From the Manila Bulletin: Senator Panfilo Lacson said the Senate is not adopting any joint resolution that would pave the way for the formation of a Constituent Assembly (Con Ass) made up of members of the current Senate and the 300-member House of Representatives to amend the 31-year-old Charter.  Continue reading “Proposals to change 1987 Constitution as good as dead in Senate, Lacson says [Manila Bulletin]” →

In the News, Statements, TV, Videos

Interview on CNN Philippines | Aug. 1, 2018

In an interview on CNN Philippines, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Basilan bombing
– leadership row at the House of Representatives
– Senate unity on Charter change
– Mayor Sara Duterte and the political landscape
– TRAIN

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on CNN Philippines | Aug. 1, 2018” →

In the News, Online

Lacson: ‘We’ll stand as one body, as the Senate’ [Manila Bulletin]

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From the Manila Bulletin:”We will assert our role in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, as simple as that. Meaning, we’ll not enter into a joint session or convene into a joint session kung hindi malinaw na voting separately,” Sen. Lacson said.  Continue reading “Lacson: ‘We’ll stand as one body, as the Senate’ [Manila Bulletin]” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On Rep. Arroyo as House Speaker | July 25, 2018

“Ako, naniniwala ako lahat ng tao may redemption. Anuman ang ‘kasalanan’ niya sa nakaraan, lalo sa akin.” – Sen. Lacson, in an interview with Senate media

 

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Senate to be united on Charter change issue | July 24, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson said the Senate will have a united stand on the issue of Charter change.

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Senate to be united on Charter change issue | July 24, 2018” →

Photos, Videos

At the Opening of the Senate Session

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In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On Cha-Cha and No-El

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In the News, Statements

On Reported Plans to Postpone the May 2019 Polls via ‘People’s Initiative’

Nothing escapes the Senate’s participation. Thus, aside from Sec. 1 under Art XVII which provides for a Constituent Assembly and Constitutional Convention, Sec. 2, particularly Paragraph 2, which allows the direct participation of the people, shall likewise need the Senate to implement the same.

Hence, and I quote to preclude any misinterpretation:

SECTION 2. Amendments to this Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters therein. No amendment under this section shall be authorized within five years following the ratification of this Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter. The Congress shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of this right.

Nothing could be clearer.

It goes without saying, majority of the senators, even those running for re-election, will fight tooth and nail any attempt to cancel the 2019 midterm elections simply because it is wrong and self-serving.

*****

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On notions of revising the Charter without the Senate

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In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On moves to revise the Philippine Constitution

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Statements

On the Draft Federal Constitution’s Provision for a ‘Transition President’

The proposed draft charter is not about one person, or for those opposing and supporting it. Neither is it about us in this present generation.

Therefore, when it is transmitted to Congress, we must base our decision on what should serve best the interest of future generations of Filipinos.

In fact, that should be our first and only consideration.

*****

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DWIZ | July 7, 2018

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– COA report that Office of the President’s confidential/intel funds up 350% from 2016
– killing of Mayor Antonio Halili
– peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF
– proposed amendments to the Constitution

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | July 7, 2018” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On addressing loose firearms, anti-jueteng ops, Charter change | July 4, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– need for PNP to be stricter vs loose firearms
– recent killings of local officials
– anti-jueteng operations
– proposed amendments to the Constitution by the consultative committee

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On addressing loose firearms, anti-jueteng ops, Charter change | July 4, 2018” →

In the News, Photos, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | May 3, 2018

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– Ombudsman’s resolution on P6.4B shabu shipment
– PDEA’s releasing of narco list
– Assessment of the government’s anti-drug war
– Charter change and shift to federalism
– CJ Sereno’s impeachment
– PH-Kuwait ties
– Blue Ribbon committee issues
– Senate transfer
– Senate leadership change

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Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | May 3, 2018” →

Hearings/Investigations, In the News, Photos, Statements

At the Hearing on Proposed Changes to the 1987 Constitution

At the Senate’s regional consultative hearing on Charter change in Baguio City, Sen. Lacson stressed the need for empowering LGUs. Even without amending the Charter, he noted this can be done.
In 2016, Lacson filed Senate Bill 40, the Budget Reform for Village Empowerment Act of 2016. The bill seeks to “end the culture of mendicancy and political patronage” while helping Filipinos realize the “elusive inclusive growth.”

Related:
LGU, direktang dadaluyan ng pondo sa panukala ni Ping
Lacson files LGU-empowering budget reform bill to achieve inclusive growth

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On PCSO’s STL collections, Charter change, and charges on P6.4B shabu smuggling | Jan. 31, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– questions on PCSO’s STL collection
– Senate discussion of Charter change
– why no one from BOC charged for P6.4B shabu smuggling

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On PCSO’s STL collections, Charter change, and charges on P6.4B shabu smuggling | Jan. 31, 2018” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DZIQ | Jan. 26, 2018

In an interview on DZIQ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Charter change
– PCSO’s STL being used as front
– Atio Castillo hazing death
– Message to the public

Related:
Senators united stance on the issue of Charter change
PCSO’s problems with illegal gambling operators
Sponsorship Speech for Committee Report 232 and Senate Bill 1662

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZIQ | Jan. 26, 2018” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Will the House’s efforts to force Charter change put the Comelec in trouble? | Jan. 23, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on the House of Representatives’ efforts to go at Charter change alone.

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Will the House’s efforts to force Charter change put the Comelec in trouble? | Jan. 23, 2018” →

PingBills, Statements

Lacson, May Mala-Pederalismo na Panukala na Walang Cha-Cha

Hindi man matuloy ang Charter Change, siguradong makakamit pa rin ang mithiin na isinusulong ng Duterte administration sa ilalim ng pederalismo, sa pamamagitan ng panukala ni Senador Panfilo Lacson.

Nakapaloob na kasi sa Senate Bill 40 na tinaguriang Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) at isinulong ni Lacson kasabay ng pagbukas ng kasalukuyang Kongreso ang halos lahat ng mithiin ng pederalismo.

🔈Pakinggan ang paliwanag ni Sen. Lacson sa BRAVE

Pangunahing nilalaman ng BRAVE bill ni Lacson ang direktang pagbibigay ng pondo sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang mapondohan ng mga ito ang mga proyektong kailangan nila base sa personal na obserbasyon sa mga nasasakupan.

Related: Lacson: BRAVE to meet federalism goals without need to amend the Constitution

Continue reading “Lacson, May Mala-Pederalismo na Panukala na Walang Cha-Cha” →

In the News, Statements

On the House Pushing Through with Amending the Constitution Without the Senate

For their own sake, they should not allow themselves to look pathetic and worse, ridiculous. Having said that, they should read the 1987 Constitution in its entirety, or at the very least, Art XVII, Sec. 1 (Amendments or Revisions) in relation to Art VI Sec. 1 (Legislative Department) that explicitly refers to “the Congress” as the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Interpreting “the Congress” under Art XVII to refer to one chamber only is at best, self-serving. They pride themselves as lawyers in good standing but it only takes a layman who knows how to read and understand simple words and literature in order to appreciate what is right and wrong.

As for questioning the House’s move before the Supreme Court, there is need, and we will not. They can propose amendments or revision all they want but at the end of the day, a plebiscite would necessitate an item in the General Appropriations Act to be appropriated for the Commission on Elections to conduct such plebiscite.

Without the Senate, how can such appropriation materialize?

*****

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On those who insist the House of Representatives can do Charter change alone without the Senate

Under Art. VI, Sec. 1 of the 1987 Constitution: “The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives…”

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Related: Senators close ranks, won’t attend joint session without authorization

PingBills, Statements

Lacson: BRAVE to Meet Federalism Goals Without Need to Amend the Constitution

The goals of federalism can still be met without the need to spend much time and resources to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution, if Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson’s Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) bill is passed into law.

Lacson said the BRAVE bill, which is similar to federalism as it empowers local government units by giving them funding for their development projects, even gained the support of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.

“Parang federalism yan dahil ibababa ang karamihan ng pondo o malaking bahagi ng pondo ng national government, ilalatag papunta sa kanayunan sa probinsya nang sa ganoon matuto sila mag-develop on their own,” Lacson said in an interview on DZBB on Sunday.

🔈Listen to Sen. Lacson’s explanation of BRAVE

“Kung ito halimbawa ma-approve sa House of Representatives at Senado at ma-bicameral, ma-approve ito maging batas, masasabatas ang pagkalat ng pondo sa mga probinsya,” he added.

Related: Lacson may mala-pederalismo na panukala na walang Cha-Cha

Continue reading “Lacson: BRAVE to Meet Federalism Goals Without Need to Amend the Constitution” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DZBB | Jan. 21, 2018

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– BRAVE bill as alternative measure to empower LGUs if Charter change cannot push through
– Senate unity on Charter change issue
– removal of height requirement in the PNP

Related:
Lacson files LGU-empowering budget reform bill to achieve inclusive growth
LGU, direktang dadaluyan ng pondo sa panukala ni Ping

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Jan. 21, 2018” →

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On Charter change moves: One chamber cannot unilaterally decide for both houses

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Related:
Senators close ranks, won’t attend joint session without authorization
Nagkasundo na ang mga senador
Read: Senate Resolution 580, constituting the Senate into a constituent assembly

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: Nagkasundo na ang mga senador. Suntok sa buwan kung may senador na pupunta nang mag-isa at walang pahintulot ng institusyon.

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Related:
Senators close ranks, won’t attend joint session without authorization
Read: Senate Resolution 580, constituting the Senate into a constituent assembly
Higher level of discourse at the Senate hearing on Charter change

In the News, Statements, TheySaidIt

They Said It: Former CJ Hilario Davide Jr. on Sen. Lacson’s Senate Resolution 580

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At the Senate hearing on Charter change on Jan. 17, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. congratulated Sen. Lacson for filing Senate Resolution 580:
“I would like to commend and congratulate you for filing that resolution, for the Senate now to act on proposing or initiating an amendment to the Constitution as a separate institutional body independent and coordinate with the Lower House. (The) proposal in the Lower House may reach its goal by riding on a bullet train, it could be the second train in the Lower House faster as expected because you have in the Lower House a super majority. And I don’t think with that composition of the Lower House now will be an objective deliberation. You can even say it is a done deal in the Lower House.
In the Senate, with that resolution, you can put a brake to any attempt to railroad a proposal to amend the Constitution.“

Related:
Senate Resolution 580, constituting the Senate into a constituent assembly
Senate Resolution 580 gains support in the Senate
On the higher level of discourse at the Senate hearing on Charter change

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Senators close ranks, won’t attend ConAss joint session without proper assurances | Jan. 17, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– senators agreeing not to attend a joint session for Charter change without assurance the Senate and House will vote separately
– possible expulsion of senators who attend a joint session without authorization
– constitutional convention or constituent assembly?

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Senators close ranks, won’t attend ConAss joint session without proper assurances | Jan. 17, 2018” →

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On the higher level of discourse at the Senate’s hearing on Charter change

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Watch: Sen. Lacson at the Senate hearing on Charter change

Hearings/Investigations, In the News, Photos, Videos

At the Senate Hearing Discussing Moves to Amend the Constitution

At the Senate hearing discussing moves to amend the Constitution, Sen. Lacson was congratulated by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. for Senate Resolution 580, which lets the Senate act on proposing or initiating an amendment to the Constitution “as a separate institutional body independent” of the Lower House.

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Quotes from the hearing…  Continue reading “At the Senate Hearing Discussing Moves to Amend the Constitution” →

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: Crossing party lines: Senators united on the issue of a joint session for Charter change

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Related:
Senators close ranks, won’t attend ConAss joint session without proper assurances
Senate Resolution 580, constituting the Senate into a constituent assembly

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On Charter change moves in the Senate and House | Jan. 16, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– changing the Constitution’s provisions on term limits
– support for Senate Resolution 580

Related:
Read: Senate Resolution 580, constituting the Senate into a constituent assembly
Senate Resolution 580 gains support

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On Charter change moves in the Senate and House | Jan. 16, 2018” →

In the News, Photos, Videos

Sen. Lacson’s Resolution 580 Gains Co-Authors

At the Senate’s regular session, some colleagues asked to be co-authors of Sen. Lacson’s Senate Resolution 580, which seeks to have the Senate convene into a constituent assembly to tackle proposed changes to the Constitution. These include Senators Tito Sotto, Gringo Honasan, Grace Poe, and Migz Zubiri.

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PingBills, Senate Resolutions

Read: Senate Resolution 580, Calling for the Constitution of the Senate into a Constituent Assembly to Propose Changes to the Constitution

Senate Resolution 580 calls for the constitution of the Senate of the Philippines into a constituent assembly to propose amendments to – or revision of – the Constitution, and upon approval of 3/4 vote of its members adopt the same.

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In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On those who want Charter change for extending their terms and shelving the elections

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In the News, Photos, PingBills, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | Jan. 11, 2018

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– Charter change
– death penalty legislation
– effects of TRAIN
– alleged irregularities in PCSO
– allegations of CPP/NPA plotting to overthrow government

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Quotes from the interview… 
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | Jan. 11, 2018” →

In the News, Statements

On Reported Scenarios Involving Charter Change

The opposition need not invent the best antidote to Charter change. No less than the two leaders of both houses of Congress have started campaigning against it, albeit subliminally.

Floating a no-el and term extension scenario, as recent history would suggest, won’t help their advocacy to shift to a federal form of government, inevitably via an amendment of the Constitution.

*****

Related: On floating ‘no-el’ and term extension scenarios

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On floating ‘no-el’ and term extension scenarios

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Related: On reported scenarios involving Charter change

In the News, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | Aug. 4, 2016

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the administration’s anti-drug war
– the PNP Internal Affairs Service
– Charter change

Quotes from the interview…  
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | Aug. 4, 2016” →

Statements

Concern on Cha-Cha an Issue of Credibility

It’s a question of trust and credibility.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson scored Malacañang for insinuating senators who signed a resolution for a shift to federalism are flip-flopping on their position.  Continue reading “Concern on Cha-Cha an Issue of Credibility” →