Lacson: Critics’ Freedom to ‘Fire at Will’ vs Government Should Shut Down Further ‘De Facto Martial Law’ Arguments

The freedom of critics to “fire at will” against the government should shut down any further claim that the country is under “de facto Martial Law,” Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Wednesday.

Lacson pointed out that this freedom of speech and expression, as enshrined in Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, is the hole in arguments that the country is under such a state.

“When critics of government can ‘fire at will,’ not through underground media outlets but openly, to say that the country is under ‘de facto’ martial law is not only full of holes, but the hole itself,” he said on his X account.

In Filipino: Lacson: Kalayaan ng mga Kritiko na Pumitik sa Gobyerno, Pinakamalaking Butas sa Argumentong May ‘De Facto Martial Law’

Continue reading “Lacson: Critics’ Freedom to ‘Fire at Will’ vs Government Should Shut Down Further ‘De Facto Martial Law’ Arguments”

Lacson Rebuffs Claims of De Facto Martial Law in Philippines

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Tuesday rebuffed allegations that there is a “de facto Martial Law” in the Philippines as claimed by Rep. Leandro Leviste.

In an interview, Lacson said he does not see acts like the silencing of critics happening so far under the current administration.

“Of course not. Malayo. I do not agree,” Lacson said when asked about such claims, noting that if there were indeed a “de facto Martial Law,” Leviste would have been slapped with a libel complaint for criticizing supposed wrongdoings in the government.

“I often agree with him, considering his courage and principles. But this time, I don’t agree,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson, Pinabulaanan ang Pahayag na May ‘De Facto Martial Law’ sa Pilipinas

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On the Recommendation for Martial Law following the Sulu Twin Bombings

We have passed a strong Anti-Terrorism Law for our security forces to better address terrorism in Mindanao and the rest of the country. Unfortunately, amidst the numerous petitions against the measure, the agencies tasked to craft the implementing rules and regulations of the law have not yet issued the same which could have given our law enforcement agencies and the AFP the impetus to fully implement the law with efficacy and confidence, even proactively as we have included even “inchoate offenses” punishable for even at the stage of planning and preparation.

With all that said, another declaration of martial law in Mindanao or Sulu may not be necessary.

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#PINGterview: Proactive na Tayo vs Terorismo!

In a phone patch interview on DZBB and GMA News TV, Sen. Lacson notes the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that was passed in the Senate will lead to a more proactive fight against terrorism, while containing safeguards to prevent possible abuses.

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: Proactive na Tayo vs Terorismo!”

Interview on DZBB | Dec. 9, 2018

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– ‘pork’ in the 2019 budget
– acquittal of former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr.
– possible extension of martial law in Mindanao

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Dec. 9, 2018”