“I just hope we won’t have any more reenacted budget. As we all know by now, it is the economy that is suffering. Having said that, I have some issues and concerns that need to be clarified. If the sponsor is willing to accommodate just a few points I’d like to raise.” – Sen. Lacson’s opening statement at his interpellation (general principles) on the proposed 2020 budget.
“Kailangan pa ba ng franchise ang Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp.? Ayon sa batas, hindi. Kaya bakit?”
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“If we grant them the franchise, they will have exclusive right to operate in those areas. Therefore, they will deny other qualified third parties so they will go through competitive process. If that’s the case why do we need a franchise for SPSB?”
“If they have to go through a competitive process, we might as well disregard the franchise. May competitive process, anyway. Why would we still grant a franchise? There’s no need.”
“My other issue is, are we not establishing a precedent in passing this bill? Iniiba natin ang nature ng franchise. (W)e’re actually amending EPIRA. Sabi kanina ng sponsor iba ang definition ng unviable sa unserved and underserved. If that’s the case we’re amending the EPIRA law.”
During the interpellation of the DPWH’s budget for 2019, Sen. Lacson raised the following issues: * the addition of P75 billion in the DPWH’s budget in the National Expenditure Program, without the DPWH’s knowledge
* woes of landowners whose lots were affected by DPWH projects with right-of-way components
* some data of the DPWH website being inaccessible when the DPWH’s budget is up for deliberation
Some P16 billion in “pork” lump sums will now be available for “urgent” items in the proposed P3.7-trillion budget for 2019, after Sen. Lacson moved for this Tuesday evening.
Senate Bill 1898, which Sen. Lacson sponsored on Aug. 14, 2018, was approved on second reading the next day. The bill gives the PNP the authority – and responsibility – to train police recruits.
After the period of interpellation, the Senate approved on second reading the Philippine ID System (National ID) bill. Sen. Lacson, the bill’s sponsor, answered questions from Senate President Koko Pimentel, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
Sen. Lacson answers questions from colleagues at the period of interpellation for Senate Bill 1662, which provides heavier penalties against hazing and attempts at cover-up.