Lacson: Senator-Judges Facing Arrest, Detention May Still Join Impeachment Trial Without Online Participation

Senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte who are facing arrest and detention may still participate in the proceedings without resorting to online attendance or voting, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said this will remain in compliance with the Rules of the Senate, where online or remote participation and voting is allowed only in cases of force majeure or extreme circumstances, and in national emergencies.

“One remedy is for the Impeachment Court to ask the Sandiganbayan or any court/s to which their cases would be assigned for ‘leave of court,’ and if granted, order the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology or their custodian/s to escort them to the Senate so they may participate in the impeachment trial of the Vice President. The senator-judges will be physically present,” he said in English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

“Work-from-jail is not allowed,” he added. “We cannot allow online participation because that is reserved for force majeure and national emergencies.”

In Filipino: Lacson: Senator-Judges Na Nahaharap sa Pag-Aresto, Pwede Pang Makilahok sa Impeachment Trial na Hindi Mag-Online

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Lacson: Senate Majority, Not Minority, ‘Scampered’ on Night of Walkout

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Friday said the Senate majority “scampered” from chamber rules last May 26, triggering a walkout before trying to shift the blame to the minority.

Lacson pushed back against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s claim that the minority “scampered out of the session hall,” saying they walked out because the majority had “scampered out of our rules.”

“‘The minority group scampered out of the session hall.’ — SP Cayetano
‘No, Mr. Senate President, we quietly walked out because you scampered out of our rules and wanted to divide the house while we were still debating,'” Lacson said on X.

In Filipino: Lacson: Senate Majority, at Hindi Minority, ang Nag-‘Scamper’ Noong Gabi ng Walkout

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Lacson: Fresh Start, Nothing Else, at Core of Senate Leadership Change Push

A fresh start for the Senate – and nothing else – is at the core of the push of the Senate’s 11-member minority bloc for a leadership change, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed Sunday.

Lacson dismissed speculations that the minority’s move is linked to efforts to amend the Constitution or influence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Sa amin, ang primary or main concern naming 11, ibangon ang Senado. Wala kaming pinaguusapang kailangan palitan natin ng liderato para maitulak natin ng Con-ass, palitan natin ng liderato para ang impeachment mag-convict, wala kami ganun usapan (Our primary or main concern is to restore the Senate’s integrity. We never discussed anything else – not Con-ass, not the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

“Yan lang ang mismong pinaguusapan namin na sana pagpalit tayo ng liderato, maibangon namin, magkaroon kami ng fresh start. Kaya napili namin si Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. At least fresh face at wala siyang kaaway sabihin na natin (We in the minority bloc agreed that our reason for seeking a leadership change is to give the Senate a fresh start. That is why we rally behind Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, he is a fresh face and has no ‘enemies’ among senators),” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Panibagong Simula, Wala Nang Iba, Nasa Sentro ng Panawagan sa Pagbabago ng Liderato sa Senado

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Lacson to Law Enforcement: Intelligence Key to Tracking, Arresting High-Profile Fugitives

Good intelligence work is the key to tracking down and arresting high-profile personalities including Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson gave this advice to law enforcement agencies who are also looking for “prominent” personalities including dela Rosa, “Atong” Ang, former Gen. Gerald Bantag, and even ex-Rep. “Zaldy” Co who is believed to be in France.

“As one who worked in law enforcement, intelligence for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Intelligence is the prime mover of any operation, law enforcement or military,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson sa Alagad ng Batas: Intelligence, Susi sa Pagtugis at Pag-aresto ng mga High-Profile Fugitives

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Lacson: Prospective Senate Probe on May 13 Shooting Should Focus on Remedial Measures

Any prospective investigation by the Senate into the shooting incident inside its premises last May 13 should focus on remedial measures rather than criminal liability, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said law enforcement agencies already probing the incident should handle the criminal investigation, adding it would be awkward for the Senate to investigate itself.

“I will suggest that we let the National Bureau of Investigation or Philippine National Police, or even the Department of Justice, do the investigation. Limit the Committee of the Whole Inquiry’s inquiry into coming up with remedial legislation or administrative remedies so there will be no repeat of what happened last May 13. We should not interfere in the aspect of who is at fault or who should face charges,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on True FM.

In Filipino: Lacson: Posibleng Imbestigasyon ng Senado sa Pamamaril Noong Mayo 13, Dapat Tumutok sa Remedial Measures

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