Tag: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian

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Lacson: Fresh Start, Nothing Else, at Core of Senate Leadership Change Push

A fresh start for the Senate – and nothing else – is at the core of the push of the Senate’s 11-member minority bloc for a leadership change, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed Sunday.

Lacson dismissed speculations that the minority’s move is linked to efforts to amend the Constitution or influence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Sa amin, ang primary or main concern naming 11, ibangon ang Senado. Wala kaming pinaguusapang kailangan palitan natin ng liderato para maitulak natin ng Con-ass, palitan natin ng liderato para ang impeachment mag-convict, wala kami ganun usapan (Our primary or main concern is to restore the Senate’s integrity. We never discussed anything else – not Con-ass, not the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

“Yan lang ang mismong pinaguusapan namin na sana pagpalit tayo ng liderato, maibangon namin, magkaroon kami ng fresh start. Kaya napili namin si Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. At least fresh face at wala siyang kaaway sabihin na natin (We in the minority bloc agreed that our reason for seeking a leadership change is to give the Senate a fresh start. That is why we rally behind Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, he is a fresh face and has no ‘enemies’ among senators),” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Panibagong Simula, Wala Nang Iba, Nasa Sentro ng Panawagan sa Pagbabago ng Liderato sa Senado

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Lacson: Senate Leadership Must Keep Institution a Model of Budget Transparency

The Senate’s current leadership must make sure the institution remains a model of transparency in crafting the national budget, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson, a watchdog of the national coffers, made the call barely two months before the Executive submits to Congress the proposed budget for 2027 this July.

“Sa panahon ni Sen. Sherwin (Gatchalian) at saka ni Tito Sen (Sotto) as finance chairman and Senate President, papunta na kami doon. And I hope sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, ma-sustain ang ganoon (Under then Senate President Vicente Sotto III and finance committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian, we were getting there in terms of budget transparency. I hope under Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, this can be sustained),” Lacson said in an interview on DZRH radio.

“Kami na maging halimbawa na parang pagdating sa pagitan ng dalawang houses, kami na yung parang pinaka-Big Brother na tinintigalaan nila para sa pagbalangkas man lang ng national budget, maayos (The Senate should be the example and the Big Brother at least in the crafting of the national budget),” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Dapat Panatilihin ng Liderato ng Senado ang Institusyon bilang Modelo ng Budget Transparency

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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 Votes Yes to Ratification of 2026 Budget Bill, But With Strong Reservations

For the first time in a long while, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson cast his affirmative vote on Monday to ratify the P6.793-trillion budget for 2026 – but with a strong reservation due to items that keep the door open to potential political patronage.

In his manifestation on the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the 2026 budget bill, Lacson particularly stressed his reservation on appropriations for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

He manifested as well his reservation over other social welfare programs or “ayuda” that are “discretionary and duplicative of institutionalized and rules-based programs, and other similar budget items that lack agency requests.”

“For the first time in a long while, I am voting YES for the ratification of the bicameral report on the proposed national budget for 2026. HOWEVER, WITH THIS AFFIRMATIVE VOTE COMES A STRONG RESERVATION,” he said.

“The national budget must not be a political tool or spoils for those in power. We deserve a budget that truly serves the people, free from political exploitation,” he stressed. “While we have made headway, the path forward remains extensive.”

In Filipino: Lacson, Bumoto ng Yes sa Ratipikasyon ng 2026 Budget Bill Nguni’t May ‘Strong Reservations’

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Lacson Hopeful Safeguards in 2026 Budget, Continued Vigilance vs Abuse Can Bring Positive Change

With safeguards among others in place and with continued public vigilance, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson holds high hopes that the 2026 budget will help bring positive change for Filipinos.

Lacson lauded the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee led by Senate finance committee Sherwin Gatchalian for fighting for the safeguards and transparency measures the Senate has inserted.

“Amid all the disinformation and unreasonable criticisms, we have all the reasons to be proud of our Senate panel under the leadership of our Finance Chair Senator Win. I give my two thumbs up from start to finish,” Lacson said.

“We do not live in a perfect world, much less in an ideal situation, so we cannot be perfectionists and idealistic given the circumstances. That’s why adjustments must be made both ways,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson, Umaasang Safeguards sa 2026 Budget at Pagmamatyag vs Abuso, Tutulong sa Pagdulot ng Pagbabago

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