In an interview with Senate media, Sen. Lacson answered questions on the possible implications on national security of scrapping the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement.
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: Possible National Security Implications of Scrapping VFA | Jan. 27, 2020”
Sen. Lacson sponsored the proposed PhP191,340,253,000 budget of the Department of National Defense for 2020. The amount is about 4% of the 2020 budget. The key security strategy for 2018 indicated a minimum of 2% of the budget for the DND.
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the Department of National Defense”
[Video Courtesy: Senate PRIB]
At the hearing on the 2020 budget of the Department of National Defense (DND), Sen. Lacson cited the need to revisit the AFP Modernization Program for the country to achieve its goal of a minimum credible defense posture, and asked if the DND should get compensation from telcos that set up facilities inside military camps.
Lacson also pushed for a sustainable long-term program that would provide for the pension requirements of uniformed personnel. He inquired about the status of a new infantry battalion that would fight terrorism and similar threats in the Mindanao area.
The DND is seeking a budget of P258.35 billion for 2020, including P119.118B for personnel services; P69.704B for pension; P40.701B for MOOE; and P28.831B for capital outlay.
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “AFP Modernization, West Philippine Sea Updates, and National Security: Sen. Lacson Chairs the 2020 Budget Hearing for the DND”
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Senate Bill 982, the ‘Designated Survivor’ bill
– Chinese shipowner’s apology over Recto Bank incident
– 4 Chinese drug lords reportedly released
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “#PingSays: On the ‘Designated Survivor’ Bill; Release of Convicted Chinese Drug Lords | Aug. 29, 2019”
In an interview on DZBB/GNTV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Senate hearing into Chinese ships’ incursions
– revisiting anti-graft laws
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB/GNTV: Senate Hearing on Chinese Incursions, Revisiting Anti-Graft Laws | Aug. 20, 2019”
Sec. Panelo: “Ambassador Zhao sent me a text. He said, ‘What if we also think that your overseas workers are also spying on us. What can you say about that?'” … PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON OR CHINESE EMBASSY SPOKESMAN?
Has the presidential spokesman switched from Chinese embassy defense counsel to spokesman?
What I was pointing out in my tweet is not on the issue of whether or not there is logic in the Chinese ambassador’s statement.
The thing is, the Chinese embassy has its own spokesman who should speak on their behalf because that’s his job. Why would the country’s presidential spokesperson whose salary and other miscellaneous expenses are being paid out of our taxes take on the embassy spokesman’s job?
*****
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– divorce bill in Congress
– President Duterte to bring up Hague arbitral ruling with Chinese President Xi Jinping
– Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s ‘recommendations’ vs non-performing local officials, cops
– corruption at the DOH and PhilHealth
– 2020 budget and guarding against ‘pork’
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “#PingSays: Divorce Bill; PRRD Meeting with Chinese President Xi; 2020 Budget; Mayor Isko | Aug. 6, 2019”
At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– dealing with China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea
– ‘conflict of interest’ at the DOH involving Sec. Duque, kin; corruption at PhilHealth
– proposals to scrap STL amid corruption row at PCSO
– ‘militarization’ of government with appointment of retired military/police officials
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | Aug. 1, 2019”
A verbal agreement between President Duterte and President Xi is what it is – a verbal agreement. Is that verbal agreement already part of our national policy? Is it being carried out? It is my humble view that it is not. Why? There is no showing that the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the Department of National Defense are implementing that so-called verbal agreement.
In fact, on occasion, the two frontline agencies have expressed different views. Having said that, we will be better off to just leave it at that.
Maybe our problem is, we have a spokesman who talks more than he should. He telegraphs every move and every plan that the executive has on issues that need a little diligence and study.
*****
To Malaya Business Insight: This refers to the column of former ambassador and Dean Reynaldo Arcilla, where he tried to inject political color into Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson’s recent statements on the Recto Bank incident at the West Philippine Sea.
Continue reading “✉ Letter to the Editor: On Rey Arcilla’s column [Malaya Business Insight]”
