Tag: DOJ

Statements October 21, 2021May 30, 2022

On the DOJ Review of the Anti-Drug War

In the pursuit of any criminal investigation, there is only one rule that applies. It is called the rule on evidence which should be bound by the rule of law.

Once such evidence is clearly established to warrant the filing of criminal information against identified suspects, there is no other course of action for the Department of Justice to pursue but to take those cases to their logical conclusion, no matter the consequences.

That being said, the role of the DOJ is crucial in showing the community of nations in general and the International Criminal Court in particular that as a civilized, democratic country, we can independently and responsibly hold criminally accountable our law enforcement officers – and their superiors, if the evidence so warrants – when they commit excesses in the performance if their sworn duties.

And the total war against drugs should not be an exception.

*****

Hearings/Investigations, Statements, Videos May 20, 2021May 20, 2021

Senate Committee Hearing on MUP Concerns

Sen. Lacson’s Opening Statement at the Hearing

Good morning, everyone.

As a refresher, allow me to briefly recount where we left off after the Joint Committee Hearing that we conducted last February of 2021, pertaining to the proposed measures that seek to address the pressing concerns from the ballooning pension requirements of our Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP).

Before the suspension of the said hearing, the Committee had requested the following:

1. For various MUPs to submit to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the necessary data with respect to the new entrants, so the latter will be able to update its actuarial study dated 05 January 2021; and

2. For the agencies to submit complete data on the real properties to aid the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in computing the total value of assets that may be considered in establishing the seed fund.

This Committee has been informed that, to date, the GSIS is yet to update its actuarial study due to either incomplete or delayed submission of some agencies. We can skip this for now as we were told the aggregate amount involved is not substantial enough to contribute to the reduction of subsidies coming from the GAA. Not to mention that the incomplete submission of data has already delayed the crafting of the committee report.

Continue reading “Senate Committee Hearing on MUP Concerns” →

Hearings/Investigations, Statements, Videos February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

Hearing of the Senate Defense Committee on MUP Concerns

Sen. Lacson’s Opening Statement at the Hearing:

This is a continuation of our previous public hearing held last October 5, 2020, on the MUP pension bills referred to this committee, which was suspended with the commitment that an actuarial study would be conducted by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) together with our key stakeholders, such as the Bureau of Treasury and the MUPs, among others.

Just to refresh our memory, last year and this year’s appropriations reflect the veracity of this serious financial concern, given the steep increase in the MUPs’ pension funding from P80 billion in 2020 to P120 billion under the 2021 General Appropriations Act.

Continue reading “Hearing of the Senate Defense Committee on MUP Concerns” →

Statements January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

On the NBI’s Filing of Charges vs PhilHealth Officials

This is one good reason why the Senate must keep going in performing our oversight function as our collective responsibility to the People of the Philippines.

Modesty aside, most of the pieces of evidence used by the National Bureau of Investigation were culled from the materials that we submitted to the Department of Justice.

We can only hope that this case reaches its logical conclusion to make all those who, without a shred of conscience in their bones, took advantage of a deadly virus to fleece government of funds intended to respond to an unprecedented health crisis that we continue to grapple with.

That said, there is more reason that we should trust DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra and his people at the DOJ and NBI.

*****

Documents, Statements October 15, 2020October 17, 2020

Ping: Aprubadong IRR ng Anti-Terror Law, Malinaw na vs Terorismo Lang Talaga

Mapapawi na ang takot ng ilang sektor at agam-agam ng mga awtoridad sa pagpapatupad ng Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 ngayong lumabas na ang Implementing Rules and Regulations nito.

Ayon kay Senador Panfilo Lacson na pangunahing nagsulong at nag-sponsor ng naturang batas noong ito ay nasa Senado pa lamang, maliwanag sa 48-pahina ng IRR ng Anti-Terror Law na tumatalima ito sa Bill of Rights sa ilalim ng 1987 Constitution.

“As the principal sponsor of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in the Senate, I hope that the release of the law’s IRR will now enlighten our law enforcement officers as well as Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, so they will be properly guided in performing their all-important mission of protecting our citizens from the indiscriminate and merciless acts of terrorism that can only be perpetrated by people with the ugliest and most senseless ideologies,” paliwanag ni Lacson.

Statements October 15, 2020October 17, 2020

Lacson: Anti-Terrorism Law’s IRR to Enlighten Security Forces, ‘Doubting Thomases’

The release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 should enlighten not just our security forces but also the law’s critics and doubters, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said.

Lacson, who sponsored the measure in the Senate, noted the 48-page IRR places great emphasis on adherence to the Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution.

Statements September 15, 2020September 15, 2020

On the Initial Findings of Task Force PhilHealth

I want to read the full text of the report first so I can make a more intelligent analysis and responsive comments.

That said, let me just say at the outset that obviously, the materials that we provided and shared with Sec. Guevarra and the composite task force were put into good use at the very least. This is good reason enough to feel gratified that we did our share in taking the first big step in making those criminally and administratively liable for the misuse and abuse of public monies accountable.

At least, for a change, we can hope that these “vultures” will suffer for their misdeeds to satisfy their greed at the expense of the sick and the unhealthy among our countrymen.

*****

In the News, Statements, TV June 8, 2020June 8, 2020

#PINGterviews: Anti-Terror Bill Gets Tough vs Terrorists, Tougher vs Abusive Implementation

In interviews on ANC and CNN Philippines, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
* the Anti-Terrorism Bill
* reported ‘Ghost’ Facebook accounts

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterviews: Anti-Terror Bill Gets Tough vs Terrorists, Tougher vs Abusive Implementation” →

Statements January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

On the Indictment of Former PNP Chief Albayalde, ‘Ninja Cops’

I personally think that it is as far as the evidence against former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde can go, as shown even during the Senate inquiry.

The lesson learned here is that the law does not only have a long arm. It also has a very long memory.

Having said that, the surest way for police officers like P/Maj. Baloyo et al to avoid past misdeeds from catching up with them is not to commit those misdemeanors in the first place.

*****

In the News, Radio, Statements August 31, 2019September 8, 2019

Interviews on DWIZ: Remedies to GCTA Law; Who Signed Release Papers for Chiong Case Convicts? | Aug. 31, 2019

In interviews on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– possible legislative remedies to the GCTA law
– irony of the release of convicted drug lords via GCTA amid anti-drug war
– the woman who signed the release papers for Chiong case convicts
– ‘Designated Survivor’ bill

Quotes from the interviews…
Continue reading “Interviews on DWIZ: Remedies to GCTA Law; Who Signed Release Papers for Chiong Case Convicts? | Aug. 31, 2019” →

In the News, Radio, Statements, TV August 30, 2019March 23, 2020

Interview on DZBB/GNTV: ‘Pera-Pera’ sa Bilibid; Constitution as Basis for ‘Designated Survivor’ Bill | Aug. 30, 2019

In an interview on DZBB/GNTV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– More Chinese drug convicts released from PH facilities
– Convicts in Chiong sisters’ 1997 rape-slay released
– Constitution as basis for the ‘Designated Survivor’ bill

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB/GNTV: ‘Pera-Pera’ sa Bilibid; Constitution as Basis for ‘Designated Survivor’ Bill | Aug. 30, 2019” →

Statements January 3, 2019January 3, 2019

Ping: Lahat Na Lang ng Presidente Gusto Patalsikin, NPA Dapat Nang Tawaging Terorista

NPA

Kailangan nang kalampagin ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang hudikatura upang mabatid kung ano ang kinahantungan ng asuntong tumutukoy sa New People’s Army (NPA) bilang terorista.

Ginawa ni Senador Panfilo Lacson ang panawagan sa ahensiya bunga na rin ng walang humpay na panggugulo ni Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison sa gobyerno, limang dekada nang nakalipas.

“(CPP founder Jose Maria Sison) has been at it for the past 50 years. So many lives lost already. DOJ should follow up with the court the proscription case vs the NPA as a terrorist group as per Section 2 of Republic Act 9372,” bahagi ng panawagan ni Lacson sa post niya sa kanyang Twitter account.

Statements January 3, 2019January 3, 2019

Lacson: CPP ‘Priority’ to Oust Sitting President in 2019 an Added Reason to Tag NPA as Terror Group

NPA

The Communist Party of the Philippines’ “priority” to oust a sitting President in 2019 should be an added reason to tag the New People’s Army as a terrorist group, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Thursday.

Lacson said so many lives had already been lost in the 50 years that the CPP and its armed wing, the NPA, had been trying to overthrow the government.

Videos December 13, 2018December 13, 2018

On the DBM Chief’s Possible Recommendation for a Special Session on the 2019 Budget

Mr. President, I’m not interpellating on the budget of the Offce of the President. This is just a very quick manifestation and I’d like to take advantage of the presence of Executive Secretary Medialdea. I would like to issue an appeal to him not to endorse the anticipated recommendation of Secretary of DBM Ben Diokno to call for a special session.

Because looking at the schedule, Mr. President, after this agency, the Office of the President, we still have to tackle some big ones. Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Justice – at least the Bureau of Immigration, Commission on Audit, Comelec, Ombudsman, DOH, DND, DILG. And even if the President calls for a special session, even if we extend our session for another five days, for another week, it is impossible, Mr. President, for us to enact the budget bill before the year ends.

So I’d like to again reiterate of course with the concurrence of this body, I’d like to make that appeal. Quoting Jesus Christ: ‘the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak,’ Mr. President.

Thank you Mr. President, and may we have the commitment of the Executive Secretary… that he will not endorse and he will block, as a matter of fact, Mr. President?

****

In the News, Statements, Videos September 5, 2018

#PingSays: On the situation of Sen. Trillanes | Sept. 5, 2018

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On the situation of Sen. Trillanes | Sept. 5, 2018” →

Photos May 30, 2018May 30, 2018

Confirmation Hearings for Officials of the DFA, DAR, Comelec, and DOJ

On May 29 and 30, 2018, Sen. Lacson took part in the Commission on Appointments’ confirmation hearings for nominees to the Foreign Service, DAR, Comelec, and DOJ. They included:

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Sulpicio Confiado, ambassador to Egypt; and Akmad Sakkam, ambassador to Jordan

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John Castriciones, DAR Secretary

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Socorro Balinghasay-Inting, Comelec Commissioner

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Menardo Guevarra, DOJ Secretary

In the News, Statements, Videos April 4, 2018April 4, 2018

#PingSays: On fate of DOJ Sec. Aguirre, Senate relocation, peace efforts with CPP-NPA-NDF | April 4, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– Senate relocation
– fate of DOJ Sec. Aguirre
– SC order on deaths related to anti-drug war
– peace efforts with CPP-NPA-NDF

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On fate of DOJ Sec. Aguirre, Senate relocation, peace efforts with CPP-NPA-NDF | April 4, 2018” →

In the News, Statements, Videos March 21, 2018March 25, 2018

#PingSays: On Napoles’ tell-all claims, anti-drug cases | March 21, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the claim of Janet Napoles to tell all
– actions on recent anti-drug cases

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On Napoles’ tell-all claims, anti-drug cases | March 21, 2018” →

In the News, Statements, Videos March 14, 2018March 25, 2018

#PingSays: On reports of possible PH withdrawal from ICC, and DOJ case vs Kerwin Espinosa and co. | March 14, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– charges vs suspected drug personalities including Kerwin Espinosa
– reported possible withdrawal of PH from the ICC
– meeting with President Duterte in Malacanang

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On reports of possible PH withdrawal from ICC, and DOJ case vs Kerwin Espinosa and co. | March 14, 2018” →

In the News, PingBills, Statements March 9, 2018February 28, 2019

On the DOJ’s Criminal Case vs Aegis Juris Members over Atio Castillo’s Hazing Death

Basing it on the evidence gathered and presented during the public hearings conducted by the Senate on the Atio hazing case, the DOJ panel may have overlooked or disregarded the cover-up angle committed by the other frat members not included in the indictment.

The pieces of evidence like the authenticated contents of the group chat participated in by clearly identified members and officers, the video footages and other documents should have been enough for the DOJ to find probable cause to also charge them for being accessories after the fact at the very least.

*****

In the News, Statements, Videos January 31, 2018March 25, 2018

#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” →

Interpellation, Videos October 10, 2017March 26, 2018

Day 4: Senate Deliberations for the Proposed National Budget for 2018

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