From the Inquirer: (A)s pointed out by anti-corruption crusaders like former senator Panfilo Lacson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, we need infrastructure that is not subject to the corrupt racket that lines the pockets of politicians and their private sector cohorts and which results in substandard projects that need frequent repairs.
Continue reading “Editorial: The Filipino curse of ‘puede na’ [Inquirer]”
In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson addressed questions on:
* realigning P68B in ‘skeleton projects’ for areas hit by recent typhoons
* reports of getting COVID-19 vaccine
MORE DETAILS:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: P68B Skeleton Projects, Isantabi Muna sa 2021”
This early, we are already seeing the ugly effects of “pork.”
More than the possible delay in the passage of the 2021 national budget, any ugly squabble in plenary over the distribution of earmarks a.k.a. “pork” is exactly that – ugly.
When statesmanship goes out the window, our people’s respect towards the legislature as an institution as well as its individual members somehow dissipates.
Any way we look at it, it is sad and lamentable, to say the least.
Having said that, the total amount representing P135 billion covering 5,913 reappropriated items and P396 billion in lump sum appropriations lodged in the central office of the DPWH may need further clarification.
It is basic that once an infra project has started its implementation, it is already obligated. Hence, there can be no partial cash allocation, unless that project is discontinued, cancelled, or terminated. Then, the unused portion of the appropriation becomes savings that may be realigned. Or, if the project is covered by Multi Year Contractual Authority (MYCA), formerly known as MYOA or Multi Year Obligational Authority which is clearly spelled out and provided in the 2020 GAA, the same item can reappear in the succeeding budget year.
We were not born yesterday as far as budgeting is concerned.
*****
In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– the Isulan bombing and Senate Bill 1956 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2018)
– pork in the proposed 2019 national budget
– need for government to shift its attention to the economy
– President Duterte’s recent strong statements against possible abuses by China
– timetable of Senate relocation
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Sept. 1, 2018”
In an interview on DZMM, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– On new corruption modus at the Bureau of Customs
– Gambling lords lording it at PCSO
– Swiss challenge for major infrastructure projects
Related: PCSO’s problems with illegal gambling operators
Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZMM | Jan. 29, 2018”
Delivered at the New World Hotel, Makati City
Italian poet Cesare Pavese said, and I wish to paraphrase: “Men do not tend to remember days. They remember moments.”
Every time we look back to stories of the past, we cannot always tell specifically what happened “before” and “after,” what really transpired in between, who did what, and why. However, if we recall every important event in our lives – those that were so crucial and transformative – we can easily single out one very striking episode and say: that moment changed everything.
Continue reading “Speech Before the Rotary Club of Makati Central”
