Tag: United Nations

Statements

On the President’s Defense of the Anti-Terrorism Law Before the United Nations General Assembly

I couldn’t agree more with the President.

Stating his strong position on the issue before the community of nations, many of whom are leaders of countries that continue to grapple with the threats of terrorism, made it more significant.

Indeed, terrorism is a threat that knows no timing nor borders as shown in recent bombings in our own turf. This led us to pass the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that contains the needed legal backbone to let our security forces implement the law with efficacy and confidence, even proactively – as well as the needed safeguards to curb potential abuse and violation of the 1987 Constitution.

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Statements

On the President’s Affirmation of the Philippines’ Arbitral Victory over China before the United Nations

‘Alipin’ no more! Hearing the President invoke the Award before the UN General Assembly while firmly rejecting any attempt to undermine it should now erase doubts on where he stands regarding the West Philippine Sea issue.

Filipinos from both sides of the political aisle should feel proud hearing the President express his strong and unequivocal position on the WPS issue. His statement should erase all doubts on where he stands.

More importantly, I hope that China heard the President’s message loud and clear.

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Statements

On New Opportunities for Terrorists to Exploit

No less than the Secretary General of the United Nations has warned that extremist and terrorist groups can exploit the COVID-19 pandemic and other new opportunities to strike.

The only timing that the terrorists know is their own. This is what I have been telling the critics of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Likewise, terrorism knows no borders. Surely, we do not want to be the haven of terrorists in Asia. The Marawi Siege is such a painful and costly experience which we as policy makers cannot allow to happen again.

As long as the terrorists can achieve their intent and purpose of inflicting maximum damage to life and property in order to sow fear and intimidate the general public, they will strike at any opportunity.

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Statements

On the Call of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Not to Sign the Anti-Terror Bill

We crafted the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 based on the guidelines and standards set by the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 1373. It was the UN that prodded the Philippines to strengthen its laws against terrorism.

So, is this the United Nations going up against the United Nations?

The problem with the critics of the Anti-Terrorism Bill like the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights and the others is that they criticize without even reading the bill itself.

Continue reading “On the Call of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Not to Sign the Anti-Terror Bill” →

Statements

Ping: Anti-Terrorism Bill, Lalong Sinisiraan ng NPA Fronts Para ‘Di Maubos Miyembro

Dahil marami nang nagbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan o kaya ay sumusuko sa mga awtoridad, nag-level up na ng mga “fronts” ng New People’s Army (NPA) na siraan ang Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB).

Sa impormasyong nakalap ni Senador Panfilo Lacson, ang pagkakalat ng maling impormasyon laban sa ATB ay ginagawa umano ng mga grupo at indibiduwal na kaalyado o nakikisimpatiya sa NPA.

“An Army commander reported that in anticipation of the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, the NPAs have started surrendering. 27 in just 2 days in Quezon, Laguna and Mindoro alone. Many more are sending surrender feelers. That is why, he said, their fronts have become busier with their disinformation campaign,” pagbubunyag ni Lacson sa kanyang Twitter account.

Related: Lacson: NPA Fronts Busier with Disinformation Drive vs Anti-Terrorism Bill as More Comrades Surrender
Continue reading “Ping: Anti-Terrorism Bill, Lalong Sinisiraan ng NPA Fronts Para ‘Di Maubos Miyembro” →

Statements

Lacson: NPA Fronts Busier with Disinformation Drive vs Anti-Terrorism Bill as More Comrades Surrender

Fronts of the communist New People’s Army – and their “allies” – have become busier in their disinformation campaign against the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 over the weekend, as more of their comrades surrender to authorities.

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson bared this on Sunday as he urged the public to read a provision in the bill that those behind the intensified smear drive have conveniently skipped.

“An Army commander reported that in anticipation of the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, the NPAs have started surrendering. 27 in just 2 days in Quezon, Laguna and Mindoro alone. Many more are sending surrender feelers. That is why, he said, their fronts have become busier with their disinformation campaign,” he said on his Twitter account.

Related: Ping: Anti-Terrorism Bill, Lalong Sinisiraan ng NPA Fronts Para ‘Di Maubos Miyembro
Continue reading “Lacson: NPA Fronts Busier with Disinformation Drive vs Anti-Terrorism Bill as More Comrades Surrender” →

In the News, Radio, Statements, TV

Interview on DZBB/GNTV: On the Metrobank Robbery | July 17, 2019

In an interview on DZBB/GNTV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– updating laws to deal with crimes like the Metrobank robbery
– PH invoking national dignity in UN-HRC resolution on killings

Quotes from the interview…
Continue reading “Interview on DZBB/GNTV: On the Metrobank Robbery | July 17, 2019” →

Statements

On the Action of the UN Human Rights Council
unhrc
Image credit: United Nations

We have a functioning criminal justice system that deals adequately with erring law enforcers.

We regularly provide our Commission on Human Rights the budget they need to perform their mandate.

Obviously, we can manage without the intervention of the UN Human Rights Council.

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In the News, Photos, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | Nov. 15, 2018

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– return of the Balangiga Bells from the US to PH
– portrayal of PNP leadership in ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’
– suspension of excise tax on fuel products in 2019
– President Duterte’s supposed ‘power nap’ at the ASEAN Summit
– possible arrest of former First Lady Imelda Marcos
– bringing down VAT and cutting the number of exemptions
– possible Senate inquiry into recent killing of local executives
– rogue cops abusing their authority amid a pay raise starting January 2019
– prospective third telco
– DICT leadership change
– legislation transferring training of police recruits from PPSC to PNP
– ‘rampant corruption’ at Customs
– possible extension of martial law in Mindanao

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Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | Nov. 15, 2018” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DZBB | March 11, 2018

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Safeguards vs abuse in the law restoring subpoena powers to the CIDG (RA 10973)
– Claim by a UN rights official that President Duterte needs to undergo psychiatric evaluation
– Pursuing legal action vs CPP-NPA ‘terrorists’
– ICC’s principle of complementarity
– PRRD telling PNP not to cooperate with UN probe
– Calls by the DILG not to vote for barangay election candidates involved in drugs

Related: BATAS NA! Measure restoring subpoena powers to PNP-CIDG signed into law

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | March 11, 2018” →

Statements

On the Reported Call by the UN’s Human Rights Chief to Investigate President Duterte over Admission He Killed Criminals in Davao while Mayor

Apparently, the UN rights chief is not familiar with the Philippine Constitution and our laws.

First, our president enjoys immunity from suit during his term. Second, no matter how many times a person in our country admits having committed murder, as long as there is no other evidence to corroborate his extra judicial confession, the case cannot stand in any court of law.

That UN official can shout to high heavens to investigate the president but unfortunately for him, he can’t get past that call.

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