From Lito Banayo’s columns in the Manila Standard: His stint as chief of the PNP was hailed by one and all, resulting in the police organization’s getting an all-time high trust rating. He stopped the everyday “kotong” which preyed on most everybody, from jeepney drivers to taxi drivers, to “viajeros” of food produce.
Continue reading “📰 From top cop to eagle eye [Manila Standard]”
Sen. Lacson’s essay on Yolanda/Haiyan, five years after, as published in The Manila Times: “In sum, Haiyan is one chapter in my public service career I will never forget — extremely difficult, many times frustrating, yet satisfying only because I worked with very competent staff and consultants who didn’t mind the limitations imposed by our own government in all aspects.” Continue reading “Haiyan: An Unforgettable Chapter in My Public Service Career [published in The Manila Times]”
I rise again today on a matter of personal and collective privilege.
On several occasions, I took the floor of this august hall on very important issues affecting national interest.
Jose Pidal. Hello Garci. The NBN-ZTE Broadband Deal. The Fertilizer Scam. Jueteng Anomaly. The C5 Extension Road Project Double Appropriation. The Pork Barrel Anomalies. Plus many others, the latest of which talked about Joseph Ejercito- Estrada in “Dalawang Mukha ng Sining.”
In Greek drama, masks were useful devices that allow the actor to play several different characters.
In the Philippine political drama, nothing much differs.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues. Today, I rise on a matter of personal and collective privilege.
While I am saddened, even shocked by the guilty verdict, it is not for a layman like me to judge the Sandiganbayan justices who rendered the decision.
I may choose to disagree or be disheartened by the sentence of reclusion perpetua but the justices obviously had better access to all the information and evidence they need to arrive at their unanimous decision.
The next legal battle for the former president is just about to unfold. I hope that the Supreme Court can arrive at a decision that is fair and just to all concerned.
In the meantime, I will in my own personal capacity do whatever I can to console and provide whatever moral support to the former President.
*****
Ikalawang Kongreso ng Masa, People’s Movement Against Poverty (PMAP)
UP SOLAIR, Diliman, Quezon City
Bago ang lahat, binabati ko ang mga pinuno at kasapi ng PMAP sa matagumpay na pagdaraos ng inyong Ikalawang Kongreso ng Masa ng isang maalab at mapayapang pagbati. Continue reading “Nasyonalismo at Demokrasyang Pilipino: Paninindigan at Kapangyarihan ng Mamamayan”
Speech Before the Rotary Club of Downtown Batangas
It always feels good to be with my fellow Rotarians. Even though I have not been as active when I was in Cebu, the saying goes perpetual right: Once a Rotarian, always a Rotarian. Continue reading “National Security”
