Tag: PingBills

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Lacson Resolution Seeks Probe into ‘Bill Shock,’ Continued Power Rate Hikes

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the continuing increase in electricity rates and the “bill shock” experienced by consumers, amid concerns over unexplained charges, alleged irregularities in meter readings, and system losses ultimately shouldered by law-abiding consumers.

Under Senate Resolution No. 511, Lacson urged the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation, to strengthen transparency, accountability and consumer protection in the power industry.

“(While) access to affordable and reliable electricity is fundamental to promoting Filipinos’ welfare, national productivity, and economic development … residential electricity rates in the Philippines are among the highest in Southeast Asia, ranking second in costs at approximately US$0.18–US$0.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), next only to Singapore’s average of US$0.23 per kWh, thus placing a disproportionate financial burden on Filipino families, workers, and enterprises,” Lacson said in his resolution filed on Monday, July 13.

In Filipino: Lacson, Nais Imbestigahan ang ‘Bill Shock’ at Patuloy na Pagtaas ng Singil sa Kuryente
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Lacson Reiterates Need for Stricter Penalties vs Espionage Amid Recent Espionage Activities

Recent foreign espionage activities targeting the Philippines’ state secrets underscore the need for stricter penalties, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson emphasized on Thursday.

Lacson said that while he has filed a bill to address the issue as early as last July, the proposed measure is still languishing at the committee level.

“It was one of the first bills I filed in the 20th Congress, to update our anti-espionage law. Our current law is a Commonwealth Act dating back to 1941, whose penalties are too light. So I say we need to strengthen the law to address modern-day threats,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZRH radio.

“Our world has changed, and spying is detrimental to our national security,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Kailangan ng Mas Mahigpit na Parusa vs Pag-Eespiya Kasunod ng Kamakailang Espionage Activities

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Lacson Pushes Coffee Industry Growth for Local and Export Markets Amid Brazil Expansion Plans

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Friday renewed his call to strengthen the Philippine coffee industry not only to meet local demand but also to compete in export markets – after Brazil bared plans to expand its coffee market share in the Philippines.

Lacson said some areas in the Visayas and Mindanao can be developed as coffee plantation areas, although the Department of Agriculture (DA) needs to be empowered and supported through legislation to do this.

“Coffee is a regular part of a typical Filipino breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon meetings. Let’s develop our coffee industry not only for local consumption but to export. Hence, I filed Senate Bill 1556, establishing a Philippine national coffee industry development program,” he said on X.

In Filipino: Lacson, Isinusulong ang Pagpapalago ng Industriya ng Kape para sa Local at Export Markets, sa Gitna ng Expansion Plans ng Brazil

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Lacson Files Estate Tax Amnesty Bill to Unlock Idle Assets, Boost Revenues

A bill filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson seeks to grant an amnesty on unpaid estate taxes covering the estates of individuals who died on or before Dec. 31, 2025, with outstanding or accrued tax liabilities as of that date.

Senate Bill 1889 aims to broaden the tax base and accelerate revenue collection, while minimizing prolonged litigation over tax liabilities. It also seeks to facilitate the reintegration of idle or previously immobilized assets to the formal economy.

“The proposed bill… seeks to enact a broader and more pragmatic Estate Tax Amnesty framework. It authorizes a one-time opportunity for estates of decedents who died on or before a specified date to settle outstanding estate tax liabilities at a uniform rate of six percent, subject to simplified documentary and procedural requirements,” he said in the proposed “Estate Tax Amnesty Act of 2026.”

In Filipino: Senate Bill ni Lacson, Hangad Ma-Unlock ang Idle Assets at Mapataas ang Kita ng Pamahalaan

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Lacson Bill Enhances Benefits, Working Conditions of Sanitation Inspectors

Sanitation inspectors – the unsung “foot soldiers” of the Department of Health who help safeguard public health at the community level – may soon get long-overdue improvements in benefits and working conditions under a bill filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson.

Lacson on Wednesday filed Senate Bill 1725, seeking to positively augment and improve the compensation of sanitation inspectors by modifying their salary grade schedule.

“This bill aims to professionalize the health and sanitary-related services rendered by sanitation inspectors by requiring the registration and accreditation of the sanitation inspectors to ensure the healthcare and welfare of the community,” he said in his bill titled “An Act Modifying the Salary Grade Schedule and Enhancing the Benefits of Sanitation Inspectors, Protecting their General Working Conditions, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”

He added the bill “further intends to positively augment and improve the basic monetary compensation of sanitation inspectors by modifying the salary grade schedule for all registered sanitation inspectors nationwide and correlating the existing position titles of SIs to the next higher salary grade.”

In Filipino: Panukalang Batas ni Lacson, Pahuhusayin ang Benepisyo at Working Conditions ng mga Sanitation Inspector

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