Tag: Richard Gordon

Hearings/Investigations, Radio, Statements

Tanong ni Ping: Halos P12B Kontrata ng Medical Supplies, Paano Nasungkit ng Pharmally?

Paano nangyaring ang Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., na may kapital na lagpas lang ng bahagya sa P600,000, ay nakopo ang halos P12 bilyong kontrata sa pamahalaan para sa medical supplies sa pagtugon sa pandemya ng Covid-19?

Ito ang nagtatakang tanong ni Senador Panfilo Lacson sa pagpapatuloy ng pagdinig ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee sa nabanggit na kontrobersya, na pumutok matapos lumabas ang ulat ng Commission on Audit (COA).

Ayon kay Lacson, ang nabanggit na halaga ay bahagi ng P42 bilyon na na inilipat ng Department of Health (DOH) sa Department of Budget and Management Procurement Service (PS-DBM) para ibili ng mga kagamitan sa pagtugon sa Covid-19.

Dahil dito, inatasan ng mambabatas si Pharmally chairman Huang Tzu Yen at director na si Linconn Ong na isumite sa komite ang official records na nagsasaad ng mga kontratang nakuha ng kumpanya pati na rin ang mga kaakibat na halaga.

“Just make sure you base your figures on official records,” paalala ni Lacson, matapos na isiwalat ni Ong na batay sa kanilang “records” ay nakakuha ang Pharmally ng P11 bilyon.

Read in ENGLISH: Lacson: How Did Pharmally Corner Almost P12B in Contracts for Medical Supplies?
Continue reading “Tanong ni Ping: Halos P12B Kontrata ng Medical Supplies, Paano Nasungkit ng Pharmally?” →

Hearings/Investigations, Radio, Statements

Lacson: How Did Pharmally Corner Almost P12B in Contracts for Medical Supplies?

Despite starting up with a little over P600,000, how did Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp. corner nearly P12 billion in contracts from the government for medical supplies to address the COVID-19 pandemic?

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson asked this Monday as he noted the amount is a huge chunk of the P42 billion that the Department of Health transferred to the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service (PS-DBM) to procure the items.

He told Pharmally chairman Huang Tzu Yen and director Linconn Ong to submit to the committee official records showing how many contracts Pharmally bagged, and how much were involved.

“Just make sure you base your figures on official records,” he said, even as Ong cited “records” showing Pharmally may have gotten some P11 billion.

Basahin sa TAGALOG: Tanong ni Ping: Halos P12B Kontrata ng Medical Supplies, Paano Nasungkit ng Pharmally?
Continue reading “Lacson: How Did Pharmally Corner Almost P12B in Contracts for Medical Supplies?” →

Statements

On the Revelation by VP Robredo on My Suggested ‘Sure Unification Formula’

It was a selfless move on my part to offer the unification formula to Vice President Leni Robredo since she was after a united opposition/front in 2022. After all, it was her objective for liaising with different forces or candidates including Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Richard Gordon, among others.

It goes without saying, I respect her decision to resist my suggestion and whatever reasons she has for declining. I admit that while there could be some complications attendant to my suggestion, nevertheless, it was a sincere and selfless offer in support of her equally sincere efforts to have one common candidate against whoever will be the administration’s bet.

Included in my suggestion was to have Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III as our common VP candidate, if only to emphasize that I have no intention of abandoning my partner. In fact, it was in his presence that I made the offer.

At that meeting, I couldn’t think of another sure unification formula. Not filing in October in favor of one common candidate as VP Leni would want it will not happen, considering that the campaign won’t even start until February or four months later.

That’s who I am. Challenge me and I will deal with it with boldness, honesty, sincerity and sensibility. I take serious matters with utmost seriousness. Concepts are easy to deal with. How to concretize and implement is the hardest part.

*****

In the News, Statements, TV

#PINGterview: DOH Overpricing, NCRPO Chief Debold Sinas, Bayanihan Act Extension

In an interview on ANC, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
* second wave of COVID? [0:21]
* pattern of overpricing at DOH [3:05]
* day of reckoning vs those behind overpricing [7:46]
* need for extension of Bayanihan Act [12:17]
* fate of NCRPO chief Debold Sinas [13:21]
* ABS-CBN franchise issue [16:50]

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “#PINGterview: DOH Overpricing, NCRPO Chief Debold Sinas, Bayanihan Act Extension” →

Documents, PingBills, Statements

Parusang Malupit vs Mapanlinlang na Testigo, Mabubuo na sa Senado

Matatapos na ang pamamayagpag ng mga testigong nagbibigay ng mapanlinlang at pagsisinungaling na testimonya sa mga pagdinig para manira ng reputasyon at magpahamak ng ibang tao, matapos umusad na sa Senado ang panukalang nagbibigay ng pinabigat na parusa sa mga ito.

Sumalang na sa sponsorship sa plenaryo ang Senate Bill 1354 na natutungkol sa pagpapataw ng parusa sa mga nabanggit na klase ng testigo na ang pakay ay manira at manghiya sa publiko ng mga target nila.

Sinegundahan ni Senador Panfilo M. Lacson si Senador Richard Gordon sa pagsalang sa plenaryo ng panukala sa pamamagitan ng co-sponsorship, para matiyak na hindi na mangyayari sa iba ang masamang karanasan niya sa mga sumira sa kanyang pagkatao sa pamamagitan ng imbentong kuwento bilang testigo.

“It goes without saying that this measure will deter the commission of the crimes of false testimony and perjury in solemn affirmation and uphold the sacredness of oath in testimonies and sworn statements by increasing the penalty for their commission. It is for these reasons that I fully support the passage of this measure,” banggit ng mambabatas sa kanyang co-sponsorship speech sa hybrid session ng Senado noong Miyerkules.

Related: To Finally End False Testimonies: Lacson Bats for Swift Passage of Harsh Anti-Perjury Bill
Continue reading “Parusang Malupit vs Mapanlinlang na Testigo, Mabubuo na sa Senado” →

Documents, PingBills, Statements

To Finally End False Testimonies: Lacson Bats for Swift Passage of Harsh Anti-Perjury Bill

To finally put an end to the practice of fake news and false testimonies meant to destroy people’s reputations, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson batted for the swift passage of a Senate bill providing heavier penalties against perjury.

Lacson – himself a victim of such false testimonies in the past – noted that while he had filed such a measure as early as 2011, it was left languishing in the legislative mill.

“It goes without saying that this measure will deter the commission of the crimes of false testimony and perjury in solemn affirmation and uphold the sacredness of oath in testimonies and sworn statements by increasing the penalty for their commission. It is for these reasons that I fully support the passage of this measure,” he said in his co-sponsorship speech for Senate Bill 1354, which he co-authored with Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senators Richard Gordon and Leila de Lima, at the Senate hybrid session Wednesday.

Related: Parusang Malupit vs Mapanlinlang na Testigo, Mabubuo na sa Senado
Continue reading “To Finally End False Testimonies: Lacson Bats for Swift Passage of Harsh Anti-Perjury Bill” →

Documents

Read | Senate Petition Before the Supreme Court (G.R. No. 251977)
Photo courtesy: Senate PRIB

The Senate filed a Petition for Declaratory Relief and Mandamus before the Supreme Court on March 9, 2020, seeking a ruling on the need for Senate concurrence in ending treaties such as the VFA. Sen. Ping Lacson, who was among the petitioners, said the petition will be strengthened by Senate Resolution 337. “We’re not filing this petition in our individual capacity as senators but we’re backed by the whole Senate because of SR 337.”

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Documents, PingBills

PingBills | Senate Resolution 337, Asking the Supreme Court to Rule on Whether Senate Concurrence is Necessary in the Abrogation of a Treaty

“The ambiguity on the concurrence of the Senate in the abrogation of treaty involves an issue of transcendental importance that impacts on the country’s constitutional checks and balances. It presents a constitutional issue that seriously affects the country’s legal system as well as the country’s relations with the international community.” (co-author with Senate President Sotto and Senators Drilon, Gordon, Zubiri)

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Hearings/Investigations, Photos

At the Committee Hearing on the Bill Creating the Philippine Judicial Marshal Service

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At the Senate hearing on proposed legislation creating the Philippine Judicial Marshal Service, Sen. Lacson stressed the urgency to secure members of the judiciary who face threats in the course of their work.

The hearing tackled bills including Senate Bill 1209 creating the Philippine Judicial Marshal Service to safeguard the judiciary by securing its officers and personnel so they can do their jobs independently, without fear or favor.

During the hearing, Sen. Lacson cited the case of Panabo Judge Dax Gonzaga Xenos, who has been receiving “consistent death threats.” The Office of the Court Administrator said it would look into the case. In the meantime, Lacson asked the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to provide security for the judge.

*****

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DWIZ: On Arming Firefighters vs Enemies of the State | Aug. 3, 2019

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– arming BFP firefighters to fight enemies of the state
– President Duterte’s ‘reply’ to Sen. Gordon’s statement
– irregularities and corruption at PCSO, DOH, PhilHealth
– Pastor Quiboloy’s reported comments
– allowing Sen. de Lima to take part in legislative work via teleconferencing

Quotes from the interview…
 Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ: On Arming Firefighters vs Enemies of the State | Aug. 3, 2019” →

In the News, Photos, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | March 28, 2019

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– birthday wish and ‘grade’ for President Duterte
– former police Col. Acierto
– war on drugs and DDB survey
– whether the P3.757-trillion 2019 budget will be pork-free
– Ayalas’ apology amid recent NCR water crisis
– preferences for the May 2019 elections

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Quotes from the interview… 
Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | March 28, 2019” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DZBB | April 22, 2018

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– challenges facing new PNP chief Albayalde and new BuCor chief dela Rosa
– criticisms vs anti-drug war from the US State Department and EU Parliament
– claims of ‘utang na loob’ and the Blue Ribbon report
– ‘extortion’ racket at Boracay
– update on National ID bill

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | April 22, 2018” →

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On graft accusations vs former President Aquino

tweet0411-dengvaxia

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On corruption in the BOC; and UN official’s tirade vs President Duterte | March 12, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– corruption in the Bureau of Customs
– UN official’s tirade vs President Duterte

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On corruption in the BOC; and UN official’s tirade vs President Duterte | March 12, 2018” →

Hearings/Investigations, Photos

At the Senate Ethics Committee Hearing

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With Senators Risa Hontiveros, Tito Sotto, Gringo Honasan, and Franklin Drilon

Photos

Sa Regular na Sesyon

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In the News, Online, TheySaidIt

The best of the Senate, the worst of the Senate [Manila Times]

From The Manila Times: Two senators, Richard Gordon and Panfilo Lacson Sr., demonstrated they were the best of the Senate, at par with the pre-martial law titans of that body such as Jovito Salonga, Jose Diokno, and yes, Benigno Aquino, Jr. If these two get to be presidential timber, I begin to have hope for our unlucky country.  Continue reading “The best of the Senate, the worst of the Senate [Manila Times]” →