It’s about time. I can only hope that this time around, the investigation will bear fruit and find those concerned liable and suffer the consequences of their misdeeds in taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis for self-aggrandizement.
My wish is that the outcome would be unlike the agricultural smuggling case I personally filed against Faeldon et.al, which continues to languish in the dustbin of the Ombudsman for an unusually long period of time.
*****
In an interview on DZBB/GNTV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– technology-based solutions to stop corruption at BuCor
– proposed legislation to address BuCor woes
– accusations that the probe is targeting Sen de Lima
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB/GNTV: Technology and Other Solutions vs BuCor Woes; National ID vs Graft | Sept. 15, 2019”
In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– corruption and other irregularities at the Bureau of Corrections
– transfer of high-profile convicts to Marines facility from New Bilibid Prison
– possible attempts to insert pork in the 2020 budget
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ: Corruption at BuCor; Hunting Pork in 2020 Budget | Sept. 7, 2019”
At the Senate hearing on the release of heinous crime convicts via GCTA, Sen. Lacson stressed the need for closer coordination between the Board of Pardons and Parole and the Bureau of Corrections . He also welcomed the disclosure of DOJ Sec. Menardo Guevarra that an initial batch of heinous crime convicts who were released via GCTA had surrendered, after President Duterte gave them 15 days to turn themselves in.
Lacson also questioned the rush that prompted BuCor official Maria Fe Marquez to sign release papers for three convicts in the Chiong sisters’ 1997 rape-slay, for now-fired BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon; as well as the blatant disregard of the procedure requiring the prior approval of the DOJ Secretary for convicts’ release.
At the resumption of the hearing, a resource person surfaced to give details of a supposed GCTA-for-sale racket supposedly involving BuCor personnel.
Related:
At the Hearing on the Release of Heinous Crime Convicts via GCTA (Sept. 2)
#PingSays: Sec. Panelo’s ‘Referral’ for ex-Mayor Sanchez; Sanchez Release and GCTA Issue (Sept. 3)
Facebooking from Maximum Security: Mobile Phones, Drugs and Firearms in Bilibid (Sept. 9)
‘TALAMAK ANG KORAPSYON!’ 7 Major Moneymaking Schemes at Bilibid Bared (Sept. 12)
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “‘Bakit Kailangan Madaliin?’ BuCor Execs Grilled over Hurry to Release ‘Special’ Convicts”
In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Firing of BuCor chief Faeldon
– ‘GCTA for sale’
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Interview on DZMM: ‘GCTA for Sale’; Faeldon Firing | Sept. 5, 2019”
Firing Faeldon and giving 15 days for the 1,900 released convicts to surrender are reasons enough for me to continue supporting President Duterte’s advocacies and programs against criminality.
We are like-minded in our position to give preference to the rights of victims and society at large over the rights of criminal offenders.
*****
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Sec. Panelo’s ‘referral’ for ex-Mayor Sanchez
– Senate Bill 993, repealing RA 10592
– BuCor head Faeldon’s inconsistencies on Sanchez release
Related:
At the Hearing on the Release of Heinous Crime Convicts via GCTA (Sept. 2)
‘Bakit Kailangan Madaliin?’ BuCor Execs Grilled over Hurry to Release ‘Special’ Convicts (Sept. 5)
Facebooking from Maximum Security: Mobile Phones, Drugs and Firearms in Bilibid (Sept. 9)
‘TALAMAK ANG KORAPSYON!’ 7 Major Moneymaking Schemes at Bilibid Bared (Sept. 12)
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PingSays: Sec. Panelo’s ‘Referral’ for ex-Mayor Sanchez; Sanchez Release and GCTA Issue | Sept. 3, 2019”
In interviews on DZBB/GNTV and DZRH, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– onion-skinned, thick-faced, and callous public officials
– actions Malacanang can take after Senate hearing
– BuCor chief Faeldon testing closeness to President Duterte
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “Interviews on DZBB/GNTV, DZRH: Faeldon Testing Closeness to the President | Sept. 3, 2019”
At the Senate hearing on the release of heinous crime convicts via GCTA, Sen. Lacson showed documents indicating BuCor director general Nicanor Faeldon signed the release order for former Calauan (Laguna) Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was convicted for the rape-killing of Eileen Sarmenta and killing of Allan Gomez in 1993 .
Lacson also said the signing of release orders for convicts in the rape-killing of the Chiong sisters in Cebu in 1997 by Maria Fe Marquez for Faeldon was a violation of the law.
He questioned as well the release of convicted Taiwanese drug lord Chen Chang from the Davao Penal Colony last April 3.
Related:
#PingSays: Sec. Panelo’s ‘Referral’ for ex-Mayor Sanchez; Sanchez Release and GCTA Issue (Sept. 3)
‘Bakit Kailangan Madaliin?’ BuCor Execs Grilled over Hurry to Release ‘Special’ Convicts (Sept. 5)
Facebooking from Maximum Security: Mobile Phones, Drugs and Firearms in Bilibid (Sept. 9)
‘TALAMAK ANG KORAPSYON!’ 7 Major Moneymaking Schemes at Bilibid Bared (Sept. 12)
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “At the Hearing on the Release of Heinous Crime Convicts via GCTA”
It is the biggest irony that while the government has spent so much time, energy and resources to build up intelligence, gather evidence leading to the arrest of big-time drug traffickers especially Chinese drug lords, then spend more to prosecute and convict those arrested and charged, here is Faeldon and whoever else was responsible, by the stroke of their pens, would release at least 48 drug convicts out of the 1,914 heinous crime convicts under questionable circumstances.
If the President does not take drastic action on this latest caper of an official who was recycled in spite of questionable actions committed in his previous assignment like the P6.4-billion shabu smuggling that got away under mysterious circumstances, on top of the organized “tara” on smuggled goods, we should start thinking if there is seriousness in this administration’s much-touted war against drugs and corruption midway into his six-year term.
*****
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 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”
In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– possible irregularities in the ‘Good Conduct Time Allowance’ system
– fear felt by kin of KFR victims due to possible release of KFR convicts due to GCTA
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZMM: Effects of GCTA Row | Aug. 29, 2019”
We spend a great deal of taxpayers’ money for an automated processing system, x-ray scanners, even for brokers’ accreditation, not to mention fairly high salaries for seasoned military men at the helm of the Bureau of Customs. But at the end of the day – all our efforts be damned — we are still one hell of a mess.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise before you on a matter of personal and collective privilege.
To say that our country is treated like trash appears to be true, as in literally, amid news reports of tons of waste being illegally shipped into our lands, no thanks to local and foreign smugglers, unscrupulous Customs brokers and corrupt Customs officials.
Related:
At a Glance: A Dumping Ground of Garbage and Drugs
“KITA KITA” (sa Customs): Paglahad sa Payola sa Bureau of Customs
Continue reading ““What a Mess: A Dumping Ground of Garbage and Drugs””
In an interview on ANC, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– reported arrest of ‘person of interest’ in the uploading of ‘tunay na narco list’ video
– Senate Bill 2219, encouraging public participation in budgeting process
– PRRD’s taking up WPS issue with Chinese President Xi
– illegal Chinese workers and SMEs
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on ANC | May 2, 2019”
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– corruption in the Bureau of Customs
– UN official’s tirade vs President Duterte
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On corruption in the BOC; and UN official’s tirade vs President Duterte | March 12, 2018”
From the Inquirer: “It’s clearly a forum shopping,” Sen. Drilon said of the complaint against Sen. Lacson.
Related: Privilege speech: Kita-Kita (sa Customs)
Continue reading “Senators scrap Faeldon’s ethics case vs Lacson [Inquirer]”
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 an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Marawi fighting
– Rehab works in Marawi
– Atio Castillo hazing case
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Oct. 21, 2017”
In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Strengthening penalties vs cover-ups following Atio Castillo’s hazing death
– Possibility of others aside from Balag being detained
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Oct. 20, 2017”
Nobody can be more irritating than a morally degenerate and perverted idiot whose only defense mechanism is to bark at anybody who crosses his path. He deserves the nearest city jail more than the senate cell where he is being held for contempt.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) October 19, 2017
In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Corruption in the BOC
– Efforts by the new leadership to effect reforms
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Oct. 5, 2017”
In an ambush interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– alleged extortion try on former Sen. Estrada
– criticism on the war vs drugs
– inviting Church to give info on killings
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On alleged extort try on ex-Sen Estrada, war on drugs, invitation to Church on EJKs, BOC corruption | Oct. 3, 2017”
In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– his economic sabotage complaint before the Ombudsman
– possibility of holding Senate sessions up to Friday
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 30, 2017”
From the Inquirer: An umbrella organization of agriculture industry groups has lauded the economic sabotage complaint filed against former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and several others for their alleged involvement in rice smuggling. Continue reading “Agri group backs raps filed by Ping vs BOC [Inquirer]”
Dahil sa pagpapalusot ng mga nakumpiskang ipinuslit na bigas papasok sa loob ng bansa, personal na sinampahan ni Senador Panfilo Lacson ng kasong economic sabotage sa Office of the Ombudsman si dating Bureau of Customs (BOC) Chief Nicanor Faeldon.
Ang pagsasampa ng naturang kaso ay bunsod na rin ng mahigit P34 milyon na halaga ng bigas na una nang nasabat sa pantalan ng Cagayan De Oro City ngayong tayon dahil sa kakulangan ng import permits pero mahimalang naipalabas sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Faeldon sa BOC.
Related: First of many cases: Lacson hales Faeldon and company before Ombudsman over rice smuggling
Continue reading “Faeldon, Sinampal ni Lacson ng Economic Sabotage sa Ombudsman”
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson haled ex-Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and several others before the Office of the Ombudsman Thursday for economic sabotage, in the wake of a rice smuggling case in Cagayan de Oro earlier this year.
Lacson said this is only the first of several complaints to be filed against Faeldon, adding he and his staff are working on similar cases based on documents they had obtained.
Related: Faeldon sinampal ni Lacson ng economic sabotage sa Ombudsman
The complaint stemmed from the entry of rice worth some PHP34.043 million, without the required import permits, earlier this year. It cites violations of:
– RA 10845, Sections 3a and 3c (agricultural smuggling)
– RA 3019, Sections 3e and 3j (graft and corruption)
– Grave Misconduct
Respondents:
– Ex-BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon
– NFA Administrator Jason Aquino
– Tomas Alcid, former district collector at Cagayan de Oro port
– Geniefelle Lagmay, Customs liaison officer to NFA of the Office of the BOC Commissioner
– Directors/officers of Cebu Lite Trading Inc., including Filomena Lim, Lucio Roger Lim Jr., Rowena Lim, Joselito Lopez, Josephine Rizalde, and Ambrosio Ursal Jr.
Sen. Lacson also sought the preventive suspension of Aquino, Alcid and Lagmay.
Continue reading “At a Glance: Sen. Lacson’s Complaint Before the Ombudsman”
“May susunod pa. Mahirap magipon ng lalo sa BOC nawawala ang dokumento at ibang active BOC officials and personnel medyo atubili magbigay ng affidavit. Dito may 2 testigo taga-roon.”
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– investigation into the fatal hazing of Horacio Castillo III
– reported proposal for legislative police
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On hazing, corruption in BOC, and proposal for legislative police | Sept. 26, 2017”
Sen. Lacson answers questions on the forms of extortion at the Bureau of Customs, after a hearing on the issue on Monday.
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On ‘tripleng tara’ and other forms of corruption at BOC | Sept. 25, 2017”
On the special stop order:
“Nag-tara sa green lane… tatarahan uli sa pamamagitan ng pag-issue ng special stop order.”
“Pagkatapos maka-green lane ka kasi nag-tara ka, regular tara, i-issue-han ka pa ng special stop order, bukod pa yung alert order, may gastos pa rin yan. Ang pinakita kanina gaano kalawak ang pag in-issue-han ka pa ng special stop order, panibagong negotiation. And yan P250-300K more gagastusin mo pag na-special stop order ka. At nag-issue lang ng special stop order ang commissioner ng BOC as testified to by the resource persons. So sino rin mag-lift? E di commissioner ng BOC.”
“Labas ito sa tara na regular. Pag special stop ka luluha ka ng dugo.”
On corruption at the BOC:
“Bank statements won’t lie. Call logs won’t lie. Text messages won’t lie. Ano bang pruweba gusto makita ni Mr Faeldon… at abot sa opisina niya ang corruption.”
“There’s a saying, ‘Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.’ Sa atin … ‘ang pinakamapanganib ay ang tanga na pinagdudunugan at corrupt na naglilinis-linisan.’”
On the need for sustained reform at BOC:
“I think it’s time consider natin baguhin ang takbo sa BOC para di malagay sa year in year out pag nag-survey ang SWS kayo most corrupt agency. Di ba nakakahiya yan?”
*****
In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– the Sept 25 hearing on the fatal hazing of Horacio Castillo III
– what Mark Taguba may reveal at the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on corruption at the Bureau of Customs
– cashless society to eliminate corruption
– wiretapping of suspected drug personalities
Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Sept. 24, 2017”
In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Wholesale tara at BOC
– Kicking the Friday 3 p.m. habit under the new leadership
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Sept. 19, 2017”
“It’s not even an irritant. Mahilig sa drama eh.”
“But again, that’s his right. He can file and file and file and file. Ang response ko sa kanya, I’m also filing a criminal case against him sa Ombudsman.”
Between a thousand ethics complaints and exposing endemic corruption, the latter is a hands down choice.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) September 17, 2017
It is the right of anybody to file an ethics complaint against any senator. In fact, that was the advice to him by Sen. Gordon when he visited him in his detention place.
The Constitution, however, is clear on the matter. Thus, Article VI states:
SECTION 11. A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress is in session. NO MEMBER SHALL BE QUESTIONED NOR BE HELD LIABLE IN ANY OTHER PLACE FOR ANY SPEECH OR DEBATE IN THE CONGRESS OR IN ANY COMMITTEE THEREOF.
Therefore, it is his right to waste bond paper and ink. Anyway, he has the money to pay his lawyers even if it’s tantamount to an exercise in futility and stupidity.
*****
In an interiew on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Restoring the CHR’s slashed budget
– Postponement of barangay/SK elections
– Senate committees as collegial bodies
– Corruption in the BOC
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Sept. 13, 2017”
This Faeldon never ceases to amuse me. After displaying ignorance of the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines imposing zero tariff on cement importation to the Philippines from another ASEAN country under AFTA, he is now calling for a review of the legislative immunity granted to the senators and congressmen, not understanding that it is a constitutional provision which says, “No Member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee thereof.” (Sec 11, Art VI)
*****
Sa halip na smuggling, maaring tangkang pangongotong o tara ang pakay ng nagbitiw na si dating Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon sa akusasyon nito kay Senador Panfilo Lacson.
Lumalabas kasi sa pag-aaral at mga dokumentong nakalap ng tanggapan ng mambabatas na ang mga argumento ni Faeldon tungkol sa akusasyon nito na umano’y technical smuggling ng semento ay taliwas sa mga umiiral na panuntunan.
Related: Smuggling, or technical kotong?
Is it really smuggling? Or is it more like technical kotong?
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson posed this question to ex-Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon amid his repeated accusations of “smuggling” of cement against his son.
“Is there such a thing as smuggling of cement between ASEAN countries? None, because there is zero tariff for cement under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Area (AFTA), and even the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA),” Lacson said.
Related: Lacson sa ex-BOC chief: Walang technical smuggling ng semento; attempted tara, meron?
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Reported talks between President Duterte and Marcoses
– Corruption in the BOC
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: Usaping ginto ng mga Marcos, at ang isyu ng katiwalian sa BOC | Agosto 30, 2017”
Paunang pahayag sa pulong balitaan:
First, there’s no smuggling of cement kasi hindi subject sa Customs tariff and duties ang semento. VAT-able. Ang sinasabi ni Faeldon na $16 per ton, that’s too high. One friend who is exporting nickel to China, yung nag-export ng nickel na mas mahal dapat ang freight $8-9 per ton. So $16 is too high. Ito technical ito, but it’s subject to your own verification.
What I’m saying is, una, hindi ako mag-e-expose ng shenanigans sa Customs kung meron akong alam na pwede ibato balik sa akin or sa aking anak. Di ko gagawin yan. Makikisama ako sa kanila para di nila bulabugin.
Second, bakit ngayon lang nagsalita o nag-accuse si Faeldon niyan? Di ba dapat noon pa finile-an niya ng kaso kung may nasilip siyang violation ng Customs and Tariff Code or whatever law ang nag-cover sa importation ng semento. So yan di ko maintindihan. Bakit ngayon nilabas niya ito?
*****
