Ang tama ay IPAGLABAN. Ang mali ay LABANAN.
Sen. Lacson’s essay on Yolanda/Haiyan, as published in The Manila Times in 2018: “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]”
Sen. Ping Lacson on former President Joseph Estrada, as published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer: “President Erap and I have really been through a lot together. Matagal din ang aming pinagsamahan.”
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.
*****