Tag: President Bongbong Marcos

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Lacson: Public Deserves Facts, Not False Narratives on Flood Control Probe

The public deserves facts – not false narratives – on the flood control issue.

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this Friday as he finalized his move to bring the panel’s accomplishments so far to the plenary, amid questions raised by some lawmakers over the focus on partial findings.

Lacson said that while all members of the Blue Ribbon panel – both ex-officio and regular – are entitled to their opinions, he is determined to elevate the matter to the plenary, to keep the public informed and to counter misinformation.

“I am decided to bring up in plenary the contents and more of what we have accomplished so far after seven or eight committee hearings. There is an underlying reason for my decision – the Filipino people not only deserve to be updated but more so properly and accurately informed amid the false narratives being floated by some critics that we are being selective in going after the culprits in the flood control mess,” he said.

In Filipino: Lacson: Karapatan ng Publiko ang Katotohanan, Hindi Pekeng Naratibo sa Flood Control Probe

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Lacson: ‘Military-Backed People Power’ Plot Exists but Likely Doomed to Fail

Some groups are reportedly trying to seek support from members of the uniformed services for a possible military-backed “people power revolution” amid the controversies involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte – but such efforts are not likely to succeed, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson said he received information indicating that some “retired officers” are trying to recruit support from within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“There is definitely an attempt but this is outside the AFP. Those behind this could only recruit a few, if at all, from inside the AFP. My contacts in the Philippine National Police say there is no indication this ‘movement’ will snowball. But definitely there is an attempt, mostly by retired officers,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: May Binabalak na ‘Military-Backed People Power’ pero Malamang Mabibigo

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Lacson Plans to Invite Co, Ex-Soldiers to Next Blue Ribbon Hearing

Once its partial committee report on the flood control scandal is formally filed, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may invite to its next hearing captured former Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co – along with Orly Guteza and the former soldiers who claimed to have delivered P805 billion in alleged kickbacks from anomalous flood projects to various personalities on Co’s orders.

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon panel Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday that the testimonies of Guteza and the ex-soldiers are “interconnected” with Co.

“Once Co is in the Philippines and the court allows it, I plan to have him attend the hearing along with Guteza and the ex-soldiers so we will find out who is truthful, who is telling half-truths, and who is lying,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM radio.

In Filipino: Lacson Plano Imbitahan si Co, Mga Ex-Sundalo sa Susunod na Blue Ribbon Hearing

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Lacson Pushes Decisive, ‘Extreme’ Measures to Shield Filipinos From Rising Fuel Costs

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Sunday called for decisive – and even “extreme” – government intervention to shield Filipinos from the relentless surge in petroleum prices.

Lacson stressed the government must also disclose its actions against “early” profiteers, noting that any relief from a potential excise tax suspension may not be felt until June — if at all.

He likewise underscored the need to ensure the proper use of some P230 billion in potential funds from the 2025 and 2026 General Appropriations Acts (GAA) to help sectors hit hardest by the fuel crisis.

“May mga batas na pwedeng gamitin ang provision ng mga batas na ito dahil may state of energy emergency. Ngayon kung paano i-implement yan, at kailan gagamitin, kailan i-implement at paano i-implement, yan ang mas importante (We have laws that can be implemented now that there is a state of national energy emergency. What is more important is how and when it will implement these),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson, Itinulak ang Mahigpit na Hakbang para Pangalagaan ang mga Pilipino vs Tumataas na Presyo ng Langis

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Lacson: Senate Giving Priority to President’s Emergency Powers Request Amid Middle East Tensions

The Senate is giving “utmost priority” to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s request for emergency powers to reduce excise tax on petroleum products amid the crisis in the Middle East, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Monday.

Lacson said only those who do not want to help ordinary Filipinos cope with the effects of the Middle East conflict – including the rising prices of oil – would not grant such an emergency power.

“Only those who do not want to help alleviate the suffering of ordinary Filipinos brought about by the uncontrolled increase in the prices of oil in the aftermath of the raging Iran war would refuse to grant such emergency power,” he said.

“In fact, the Senate is giving utmost priority to tackle the measure toward this end,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Senado, Bibigyang Prayoridad ang Hiling ng Pangulo para sa Emergency Powers sa Gitna ng Tensiyon sa Middle East

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