Lacson: Move to Allow Online Participation in Senate Proceedings Violates Senate Rules

We may be violating our own rules.

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson thus questioned on Tuesday evening the majority bloc’s move to tackle and vote in plenary a motion introduced by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta last May 11 to allow online participation in Senate proceedings, saying it runs contrary to the chamber’s rules and committee system.

“Does it mean that we are now disregarding the committees (and committee system) of the Senate?” Lacson asked as he cited Section 24 of the Rules of the Senate, where the committees “shall hold meetings to discuss, decide and submit a report on all matters transmitted to them.”

In Filipino: Lacson: Hakbang na Payagan ang Online Participation sa mga Pagdinig ng Senado, Labag sa mga Alituntunin ng Senado

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Lacson: Senate Redemption May Start with Minority Bloc’s ‘Win’

The Senate’s redemption of the Senate from its current situation may start with a “Win,” as the minority bloc closed ranks behind Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian for Senate President, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson described Gatchalian as “eminently qualified” for the post as he cited not only his capability but his diligence and preparedness in Senate committee hearings and other proceedings.

“He is capable, qualified and prepares for his work. In all the committee hearings he attended or presided over, he knew what he was talking about and he was prepared. So we see him as eminently qualified to become the Senate President of the 20th Congress at least,” Lacson said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM radio.

“We know Gatchalian is qualified and can lead the Senate to have a united front against all issues facing it,” he said in a separate interview on DZRH. “He is acceptable not only to the minority but to some members of the majority.”

In Filipino: Lacson: Pagbangon ng Senado, Maaaring Magsimula sa ‘Win’ ng Minority Bloc

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Lacson: Move to Allow Online Participation in VP’s Impeachment Trial Won’t Succeed

A move to allow online participation not only for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio but to allow Sen. Ronald de la Rosa to participate and vote remotely in the plenary voting on motions – including the change of the Senate leadership and committee chairmanships – will likely fail, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said the Senate’s rules allow virtual participation only during force majeure or unexpected and uncontrollable circumstances, or during emergencies such as the Covid pandemic.

“Hindi lulusot. At saka maantala kami pag binago namin ang rules on impeachment (Such a move won’t succeed. And it might delay us if we have to change the rules of the impeachment court),” he said in an interview on True FM.

In Filipino: Lacson: Panukalang Online Participation sa Impeachment Trial ng VP, Hindi Papasa

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Lacson Cites Procedural Lapses in Senate Motions on Contempt, Rules Change

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Tuesday raised concerns over “procedurally infirm” motions made on the Senate floor shortly after the change of leadership in the chamber last Monday.

Lacson questioned the move to cite in contempt of the Senate the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents who pursued Sen. Ronald dela Rosa through the Senate hallways Monday – and a separate move to amend the Senate rules without referring it first to the Committee on Rules.

“Procedurally incorrect or infirm ang ating ginawa. Kaya ko lang pino-point out para i-correct lang natin ang ating sarili (What was done was procedurally incorrect or infirm. I am pointing it out so we can correct it in the future),” he said in his manifestation at Tuesday’s regular session.

In Filipino: Lacson, Tinukoy ang mga Procedural Lapses sa Senate Motions Ukol sa Contempt, Pagbabago ng mga Alituntunin

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Lacson Calls Out Marcoleta for ‘Deliberately’ Avoiding Denying Handwritten Note on P500M Allocables

He cried foul, yet stopped short of denying that he sought P500 million in “allocables” from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson thus called out Sen. Rodante Marcoleta Friday over his privilege speech protesting his inclusion in a presentation linking lawmakers to allocables, which Lacson had branded as the new pork barrel.

“He ‘deliberately’ missed the most important reaction: deny or refute the handwritten note (c/o Cong Marcoleta) on the document as presented,” Lacson said in a post on X.

In Filipino: Lacson: Marcoleta, ‘Sinasadyang’ Iwasan na Pabulaanan ang Handwritten Note sa P500M “Allocables”

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