Tag: West Philippine Sea

Statements December 12, 2021May 28, 2022

Ping, Suportado ang 60-40 Joint Venture sa WPS

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental – Walang oras ang dapat na masayang sa pagsisiyasat sa maaaring mapagkunan ng enerhiya sa West Philippine Sea.

Sa puntong ito, sinabi ni Senador Ping Lacson na malugod nyang sinusuportahan ang joint venture kasama ang ibang bansa sa paghahanap ng mapagkukunan ng energy resources basta masusunod ang 60-40 formula ayon sa Konstitusyon.

“I’m supportive of a joint exploration with any country, not necessarily China. We don’t have the wherewithal or technical expertise to explore oil,” ani Lacson sa mga local government officials at local business leaders.

Statements, Videos December 12, 2021May 28, 2022

Lacson Supports ’60-40′ Joint Ventures to Explore Energy Resources in WPS

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental – There is no time to waste in exploring and harnessing the energy sources in our part of the West Philippine Sea.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said he supports a joint venture with other countries in exploring and harnessing such energy sources, so long as they follow the 60-40 formula in the Philippine Constitution.

“I’m supportive of a joint exploration with any country, not necessarily China. We don’t have the wherewithal or technical expertise to explore oil,” the Partido Reporma standard-bearer said at a lunch with local government officials and local business leaders here.

Statements December 8, 2021May 28, 2022

Ping, Pinangunahan ang Pagdinig Hinggil sa Pagpapalakas ng Coast Guard Para Maprotektahan ang WPS

Kailangang palakasin ang ating Philippine Coast Guard upang maprotektahan ang ating katubigan mula sa panghihimasok at pananakot sa West Philippine Sea gayundin upang mas magampanan nito ang kanilang tungkulin bilang primary maritime agency ng Pilipinas.

Ito ang binigyang diin ni Senador Ping Lacson nitong Martes nang kanyang pinangunahan ang pagdinig ng Senate subcommittee para mabigyang solusyon ang operational, administrative at organizational na isyu ng ahensya

“While we all point to the Philippine Coast Guard as the primary maritime agency of the government to strengthen our country’s sensitive frontiers in the West Philippine Sea, we can no longer keep the predicaments of the agency at bay,” ani Lacson.

Statements December 8, 2021May 28, 2022

Lacson Leads Hearing to Strengthen Coast Guard to Protect WPS

To empower it to protect the Philippines’ waters from intrusion and harassment including in the West Philippine Sea – as well as fulfill its other duties as the Philippines’ primary maritime agency, the Philippine Coast Guard needs to be strengthened and its gaps addressed.

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this on Tuesday as he presided over a Senate subcommittee hearing to address the issues in the agency’s operational, administrative and organizational concerns.

Statements, Videos December 7, 2021May 28, 2022

Strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard

Good morning and welcome to the public hearing of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Committee on Public Services on Senate Bill No. 2322 or “An Act Providing for the Administrative Reform and Reorganization of the Philippine Coast Guard, Revising for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9993, otherwise known as the “Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009,” authored by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

We also take into consideration Senate Bill No. 2265 for the institutionalization of the PCG Auxiliary, authored by Sen. Richard Gordon; and Senate Bill No. 1112, which aims to establish the PCG Academy, authored by Sen. Imee Marcos.

The PCG traces its roots from the Bureau of Coast Guard and Transportation created in 1901 during the American Occupation. Mas matanda pa ito sa DND and the AFP, kasi created ito by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1, last Dec. 21, 1935.

Continue reading “Strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard” →

Statements, Videos December 6, 2021May 28, 2022

Ping: 3 Banta sa Seguridad ang Bunsod ng Panggigipit ng China sa WPS

Hindi lang isa o dalawa kundi tatlo: national security, food security, at economic security.

Ito ang mga aspeto ng seguridad sa bansa na naaapektuhan ng patuloy na panghihimasok ng China sa ating territorial waters sa West Philippines Sea, ayon kay Senador Ping Lacson nitong Lunes.

“More often than not, we only think of national security when we hear of China’s encroachment into our territorial waters. It’s actually much more than that… It has a great effect not only on our national security because that much is obvious – but our food security and our economic security are greatly affected,” ani Lacson sa pagdinig sa panukalang batas hinggil sa isyu ng WPS.

Statements, Videos December 6, 2021May 28, 2022

Lacson: 3 Aspects of PH Security Hit by China’s Continued ‘Bullying’ in WPS

Not one or two, but three: national security, food security, and economic security.

These are the aspects of Philippine security that continue to be hit by China’s continued encroachment into our territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Monday.

“More often than not, we only think of national security when we hear of China’s encroachment into our territorial waters. It’s actually much more than that… It has a great effect not only on our national security because that much is obvious – but our food security and our economic security are greatly affected,” Lacson said at the hearing on proposed legislation on the WPS issue.

Statements December 2, 2021May 28, 2022

Ping, Ikinagalit ang Implikasyon ng Pambu-Bully ng China sa Ating Food Security

Nakakagalit at di katanggap-tanggap.

Ito ang naging sentimyento ni Senador Ping Lacson hinggil sa implikasyon ng patuloy na pambu-bully ng China sa West Philippine Sea na may direktang epekto sa ating food security.

Kabilang sa mga implikasyon na ito ang pag-i-import ng galunggong mula sa China, na karamihan naman ay galing din sa ating exclusive economic zone.

Statements December 2, 2021May 28, 2022

Revolting, Unacceptable! Lacson Scores Food Security Implications of Chinese Bullying at WPS

Revolting and unacceptable!

This was how Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson scored the implications of China’s continued bullying in the West Philippine Sea on our food security, such that the Philippines has to import galunggong from China, with much of the fish likely taken from our exclusive economic zone there.

“Bukod sa national security, food security concern ito kasi dikit sa sikmura ng kababayan natin yan (Aside from national security, China’s continued presence at the WPS has food security concerns. And this hits much closer to home),” he said at the weekly LACSON-SOTTO media forum.

Documents, Statements November 26, 2021May 28, 2022

Atin ang Pag-asa! Ping, Kinundena ang Pananakot ng China sa WPS

Atin ang Pag-asa Island na parte ng Kalayaan Island Group sa West Philippine Sea – at kailangang gumawa ng hakbang ang gobyerno para malabanan ang bullying na ginagawa ng China sa lugar.

Ito ang laman ng Senate Resolution 954 na inihain ni Senador Ping Lacson matapos ang kanyang pagbisita sa Pag-asa Island sa kanyang kapasidad bilang pinuno ng Senate Committee on National Defense and Security noong Nov. 20.

“Be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved by the Senate, to condemn the continued presence and hostile acts of Chinese Maritime Vessels within our EEZ and urge the government to fortify, amplify and enhance our positions in the West Philippine Sea thru defense and security agreements with other nations, and by consistently invoking and protecting our internationally recognized rights through continuing diplomatic dialogue with nations of mutual/common interests in the West Philippine Sea,” ani Lacson sa kanyang resolusyon.

Statements November 26, 2021May 28, 2022

Pag-asa Is Ours! Lacson Resolution Condemns Chinese Bullying in WPS

Pag-asa Island, a part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, is ours – and our government must consistently act to thwart the bullying in the area by China.

This is the gist of Senate Resolution 954 filed by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson, who visited Pag-asa Island in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security last Nov. 20.

Statements November 25, 2021May 28, 2022

Walking the Talk: Lacson Pushes P300M Budget to Improve Pagasa Island Facilities

“We walk the talk now. We will always walk the talk.”

On this note, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson pushed for a budget increase to enhance the Philippines’ defense posture for Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson, who visited Pag-asa Island last Nov. 20 in his capacity as chairman of the Senate’s Defense Committee, had noted the poor conditions of our troops in the area.

Statements November 25, 2021May 28, 2022

Ping: Ayusin, Dagdagan ang PH Vessel sa WPS

Sa halip na tanggalin ang BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal, bakit di nalang ito ayusin at dagdagan pa?

Ito ang binigyang diin ni Senador Ping Lacson nitong Huwebes kasabay ng kanyang pagtutol sa pahayag ni Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian na kailangang sundin ng Pilipinas ang “kasunduan” na alisin ang BRP Sierra Madre sa lugar.

Statements November 25, 2021May 28, 2022

Lacson: Refurbish, Reinforce BRP Sierra Madre to Assert PH Rights Over WPS

Instead of removing the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, why not refurbish and reinforce it?

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this Thursday as he rejected the call of Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian that the Philippines “honor its commitment” and remove the BRP Sierra Madre from the area.

“I don’t think there was an agreement. I could not imagine the Philippine government, much less the Department of Foreign Affairs, na papasok sa kasunduan na tatanggalin natin ang BRP Sierra Madre. [Walang lupa ang Ayungin, pero sa atin yan napakaliwanag] (I don’t think there was an agreement. I could not imagine the Philippine government, much less our Department of Foreign Affairs, entering into an agreement that would involve the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre. Ayungin may not have a land mass but it is clear that it is ours),” Lacson said at the weekly LACSON-SOTTO Meet the Press forum.

Statements, TV November 23, 2021May 29, 2022

Ping: Isyu sa WPS, Kailangan ng Mas Matatag na Tindig Mula sa Gobyerno

Isinulong ni Senador Ping Lacson nitong Martes ang pagkakaroon ng mas matatag na paninidigan para ipaglaban ang ating soberanya at mga karapatan sa West Philippine Sea lalo na’t dumarami ang bansa na namumulat na sa isyu na ito.

“We should be more assertive. Di ba dati napaka-accommodating natin? We are already being bullied because we don’t do too much,” ani Lacson sa kanyang panayam sa CNN Philippines.

“It’s only now na nagkaroon ng awakening not only on the part of our leaders but other countries as well,” dagdag pa ni Lacson patungkol sa mga statements of concern mula sa ibang bansa bunsod ng nangyari noong Nov. 16 kung saan hinarang at tinira ng water cannon ng Chinese vessels ang dalawang Philippine vessels na nagdadala ng supplies sa Ayungin shoal.

Statements, TV November 23, 2021May 29, 2022

Lacson Pushes Consistent Assertiveness from PH on WPS

We should be more assertive – and consistent – in making our stand on the West Philippine Sea.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson pushed Tuesday for a more authoritative stand by the Philippines on its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the area – especially at this time of awakening by other nations on the issue.

“We should be more assertive. Di ba dati napaka-accommodating natin (Were we not too accommodating before)? We are already being bullied because we don’t do too much,” he said in an interview on CNN Philippines.

Radio, Statements November 22, 2021May 29, 2022

Liderato ni Ping, Titindig Laban sa Pambu-Bully ng China sa WPS

Mas matatag na paninindigan laban sa bullying sa West Philippine Sea at pagkakaroon ng balance of power ang isa sa mga gagawing prayoridad ng administrasyong Lacson sakaling palarin na mahalal si Senador Ping Lacson sa pagka-Pangulo.

Ayon kay Lacson, bagama’t kailangang panatilihin ang ating pakikipagkalakalan sa China, hindi dapat isakripisyo ng ating bansa ang karapatan at soberenya.

“Tinuturing nating kaibigan ang China pero ang turing ba nila sa atin kaibigan? Dapat equal footing, hindi one way,” ani Lacson sa kanyang panayam sa Radyo 5.

Radio, Statements November 22, 2021May 29, 2022

Lacson Presidency to Prioritize Tough Stance vs WPS Bullying

A tough stance against bullying in the West Philippine Sea, anchored on maintaining the balance of power in the area, will be prioritized under a Lacson presidency, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Monday.

Lacson said that while the Philippines should maintain trade relations with countries like China, it cannot sacrifice its sovereignty and sovereign rights for this.

“Tinuturing nating kaibigan ang China pero ang turing ba nila sa atin kaibigan? Dapat equal footing, hindi one way (We treat China as a friend, but does China treat us that way? Friendship should be on equal footing, not one-way),” he said in an interview on Radyo 5.

Statements, Videos November 22, 2021May 29, 2022

Ping, Di Nagpatinag sa Babala ng Tsina sa Pag-Asa Island

“This is my country and no foreign armed forces can tell me to stay out.”

Ito ang naging sentimyento ni Senador Ping Lacson sa kanyang pagpunta sa Pag-asa Island nitong Sabado.

“Being radio challenged by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel stationed more than three nautical miles off the coast of Pag-asa, I never considered backing out. Aside from the possibility of being fired at being remote, this is my country, not theirs. They had no right. That was my mindset,” pahayag ni Lacson sa kanyang Twitter account nitong Linggo ng gabi.

Statements, Videos November 22, 2021May 29, 2022

Lacson Won’t Back Out from Pag-asa Despite Chinese Radio Challenge

“This is my country and no foreign armed forces can tell me to stay out.”

On this note, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson expressed his sentiment as he took the flight to Pag-asa Island last Saturday.

Statements, Videos November 20, 2021May 29, 2022

Lacson Plants PH Flag at Pag-asa Island

Sen. Lacson’s Arrival Statement after Visit to Pag-asa Island:

We came from a visit to one of the most beautiful places in the country, the island called Pagasa, meaning hope, belonging to the municipality of Kalayaan meaning freedom, in the middle of the West Philippine Sea.

Hope for Pagasa in Kalayaan. Hope for lasting peace and tranquility in the WPS area, and freedom of navigation for all nations to enjoy.

As we were approaching the airstrip in the island, our pilot was challenged by one of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels stationed a little beyond the 3-nautical mile distance from the island of Pagasa.

Continue reading “Lacson Plants PH Flag at Pag-asa Island” →

Photos November 20, 2021May 25, 2022

Sen. Lacson Visits Pag-Asa Island

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Sen. Lacson visited Pag-Asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 20, 2021, in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security. He learned firsthand the plight of residents there and the bullying by China.

Statements October 30, 2021May 30, 2022

Ping: Joint Venture sa WPS Kasama ang China, Dapat Sundin ang Ating Konstitusyon

Bukas si Senador Ping Lacson na pumasok ang Pilipinas sa isang joint venture agreement kasama ang China sa pagde-develop ng West Philippine Sea – sa kondisyon na dapat sundin ng China ang 60-40 provision sa ating Konstitusyon.

Ani Lacson sa isang presidential forum, ipinapakita nito na pagmamay-ari ng Pilipinas ang naturang teritoryo at may soberenya tayo rito.

“As long as they adhere to the Constitutional provision of 60-40, I am all for it. If it’s 60-40 it shows we ‘own,’ we have sovereign rights over the area,” ani Lacson sa isang forum na inorganisa ng Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Cignal TV at The Manila Times.

Statements October 30, 2021May 30, 2022

Lacson: Joint Venture with China in WPS Should Follow PH Constitution

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is open to the Philippines entering a joint venture agreement with China to develop the West Philippine Sea – but so long as China follows the 60-40 provision in the Philippine Constitution.

Lacson, speaking at a presidential forum Saturday evening, said this would show that the Philippines owns and has sovereign rights over the area.

“As long as they adhere to the Constitutional provision of 60-40, I am all for it. If it’s 60-40 it shows we ‘own,’ we have sovereign rights over the area,” he said at the forum organized by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Cignal TV and The Manila Times.

Statements July 30, 2021

On the ‘Restoration’ of the RP-US VFA

I fully support the President’s decision in changing his earlier stand to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement. Whatever underlying conditions there are in arriving at that decision, if it was connected to additional vaccine donations or any other reasons, I’m sure President Rodrigo Duterte was influenced by the interest of the country and our people.

That being said, the termination of the VFA would have done our country’s security situation more harm than good, especially at this time when incursions into our exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea have become more aggressive and unabated.

This is not to mention the continuing threats of terrorism in our country.

We have to accept the reality that we cannot do it alone, and our bilateral agreements with countries having more upgraded militarily capabilities like the United States and even Australia should be put into good use. The VFA is one way to do this.

*****

Statements July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Ping: Pilipinas, Dapat Mas Magpursigi Para Ganap na Maipanalo ang WPS

Limang taon matapos na maipanalo ang karapatan sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) sa Permanent Court of Arbitration sa The Hague, kailangan ng Pilipinas na lalo pang diinan ang pakikipaglaban nito para maging ganap ang tagumpay sa pag-angkin sa naturang lugar.

Ipinahayag ito ni Senador Panfilo Lacson, chairman ng Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, kasabay ng pagsasabing malaki pa ang kailangang gawin ng Pilipinas dahil patuloy pa rin ang presensiya ng Tsina sa lugar.

“Whatever we have done, or have failed to do, and what we must continue to pursue as part of our prerogatives as a law-abiding, democratic, and sovereign nation under this administration – unfortunately – has accrued little to our ‘accumulated advantage’ in the South China Sea and in the context of Philippine-China relations. On the contrary, we may have done very little in stemming the tide of an increasing Chinese footprint into the ASEAN region’s foreign policy, economy, and security,” paliwanag ng mambabatas.

“Thus, let us see this day for what it truly is: Commemorating a hard-won battle, but a victory still incomplete. We must, therefore, press on to complete the victory,” dagdag ni Lacson.

Read in ENGLISH: Lacson: PH Must Push On to Complete the Victory in WPS
Continue reading “Ping: Pilipinas, Dapat Mas Magpursigi Para Ganap na Maipanalo ang WPS” →

Statements July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Lacson: PH Must Push On to Complete the Victory in WPS

Five years after its triumph over China in the West Philippine Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Philippines must continue pushing to complete the victory, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Monday.

Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, said much remains to be done amid China’s increasing presence in the Southeast Asian region.

“Thus, let us see this day for what it truly is: Commemorating a hard-won battle, but a victory still incomplete. We must, therefore, press on to complete the victory,” he added.

Basahin sa TAGALOG: Ping: Pilipinas, Dapat Mas Magpursigi Para Ganap na Maipanalo ang WPS
Continue reading “Lacson: PH Must Push On to Complete the Victory in WPS” →

Statements, Videos June 27, 2021July 1, 2021

Mga Inaasahan sa Huling SONA ni Pangulong Duterte, Isiniwalat ni Ping

Ano ang kalagayan ng programa ng gobyerno sa pagbabakuna laban sa COVID-19, at ang pakikipaglaban sa katiwalian? Mas bumuti ba ang buhay natin ngayon mula nang mag-umpisa ang administrasyon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong 2016? Ano pa ang puwede niyang gawin sa nalalabing panahon ng kanyang termino?

Ilan ito sa mga katanungan ni Senador Panfilo Lacson na inaasahan niyang masasagot ng Pangulo sa panghuling State of the Nation Address (SONA) nito sa Hulyo 26.

“After five years, where are we now, or what is the situation in the many aspects of his administration such as peace and order, fight against illegal drugs, corruption, economy, and foreign policy, particularly the West Philippine Sea? We want to hear what happened in the last five years – and moving forward for the last year of his administration, what can still be done?” banggit ni Lacson sa isang media forum nitong Linggo.

Sa kanyang mga katanungan ay binigyang diin ng mambabatas ang programa sa pagbabakuna.

“But it is critical to update us on the government’s response to the pandemic. This includes the status of the government’s vaccination program. This is important because many Filipinos still do not trust the vaccine. In the meantime, the government must continue its campaign to gain the people’s trust in vaccines, based on science,” ayon pa sa mambabatas.

Read in ENGLISH: Lacson Bares Expectations from President Duterte’s Final SONA
Continue reading “Mga Inaasahan sa Huling SONA ni Pangulong Duterte, Isiniwalat ni Ping” →

Statements, Videos June 27, 2021July 1, 2021

Lacson Bares Expectations from President Duterte’s Final SONA

What is the status of the government’s vaccination program, and its fight against corruption? Are we better off than when President Rodrigo Duterte started his term in 2016? What can be done in the last year of his term?

These are among the questions that Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson hopes the President will address in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) this July.

Basahin sa TAGALOG: Mga Inaasahan sa Huling SONA ni Pangulong Duterte, Isiniwalat ni Ping
Continue reading “Lacson Bares Expectations from President Duterte’s Final SONA” →

Statements June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

On the Challenges Facing a Leader

Sailing into the sea is the easiest decision to make. Not knowing how rough the water is the dangerous part. Measuring one’s skills in steering the boat is a big responsibility especially when people’s lives depend on it. Best to think long and hard. It is not a game or a joke.

This applies to everyone, actually. Consider the following:

* Outstanding national debt of P10.774 trillion as of March 2021, ballooning to P10.991 trillion as of April 2021

* 3.44 million Filipinos out of jobs as of March 2021

* Shortfall in revenue collections, with revenues at P2.84 trillion already including non-tax revenues like dividends, fees, etc., compared to the original target of P3.25 trillion, based on the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 2019 projections for the 2020 General Appropriations Act.

Then there’s the continued uncertainty of the pandemic situation in the country and the whole world, not to mention a whole lot of other problems that will confront the next administration like the West Philippine Sea, illegal drugs, corruption and even issues surrounding the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and God knows what else.

*****

Statements May 18, 2021May 18, 2021

On Former Senate President Enrile’s Inputs on the WPS Issue

I agree with former Senate President Enrile: We should not abandon whatever dealings or negotiations with China are underway or in the pipeline as we speak. Diplomacy should be our first, if not best, option.

But neither should we disregard other options available, not only to finally resolve the West Philippine Sea issue but to provide the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.

As I have repeatedly suggested, we should build stronger alliances with other militarily powerful and capable countries who may be willing to help our cause as it would also advance their own national interests if they maintain their presence alongside our naval assets in the vicinity of the WPS.

That said, it bears repeating that the initiative should come from a united Filipino people with a united stand – not the continued bickering that only the Chinese government will applaud.

*****

Radio, Statements May 13, 2021May 13, 2021

Ping, May Mungkahing Solusyon sa Chinese Vessels sa WPS

Dahil hindi na nakakagulat ang muling pagkumpulan ng mga Chinese maritime militia vessel sa bahagi ng West Philippine Sea, dapat nang mag-isip ng kagyat at epektibong paraan ang mga awtoridad upang maitaboy ang mga ito, ayon kay Senador Panfilo Lacson.

Isa sa mga hakbang na nakikita ni Lacson bilang solusyon ay ang paggamit ng parliamentary-to-parliamentary channels o pag-uusap ng mga Kongreso ng mga bansang magkakaalyado, upang matiyak ang balance of power sa rehiyon.

“We are not really surprised. In a way, we even anticipated the return of the Chinese vessels because the vessels that were in the area earlier were most likely just surveying. Their job was to scout the land and not yet occupy. Ngayon nagbalikan na,” pahayag ni Lacson, chairman ng Senate committee on national defense, sa panayam ng DZBB.

Radio, Statements May 13, 2021May 13, 2021

Lacson: ‘Return’ of Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels in WPS an Urgent Wake-Up Call

The reported “return” of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea should be an urgent wake-up call for Filipinos to unite and come up with one strong stand on the issue, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson stressed Thursday.

Lacson also said it is time to explore further possibilities, including using parliamentary-to-parliamentary channels, to ensure a balance of power in the region.

“We are not really surprised. In a way, we even anticipated the return of the Chinese vessels because the vessels that were in the area earlier were most likely just surveying. Their job was to scout the land and not yet occupy. Ngayon nagbalikan na (Now they’re back),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

Statements, TV May 11, 2021May 11, 2021

Ping: Malaking Problema Kung Biro at Pagsiseryoso ng Pangulo, ‘di na Matukoy

Hindi nakakatuwa ang “pagbibiro” ng Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para sa mamamayang Pilipino, lalo na sa mahalagang isyu tulad ng teritoryo natin sa West Philippine Sea.

Ito ang naging tugon ni Senador Panfilo Lacson sa pagsasalita ng Pangulo sa publiko nitong Lunes ng gabi, kung saan ay sinabi nitong nagbibiro lamang siya nang sabihin noong 2016 na siya ay magdi-jetski patungo sa Spratlys.

“It’s very hard to read his mind. He may be sending mixed signals such that we don’t know if he’s serious or joking. His spokesperson would say he is joking, but there are times he seems serious in his statements. We don’t know anymore. We have a very big problem in our hands,” banggit ni Lacson sa panayam ng ANC.

Statements, TV May 11, 2021May 11, 2021

Lacson: President’s ‘Joking’ Statements No Laughing Matter

What President Rodrigo Duterte may consider a “joke” could be no laughing matter for Filipinos especially when it involves key issues like our territory in the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Tuesday.

Lacson said this after the President said Monday night that he was only joking when he said during the 2016 campaign that he would ride a jet ski to the Spratlys.

“When he addresses the nation, we don’t know when he is joking or serious. Is it up to us to understand which is which? It’s really hard for Filipinos,” he added.

Radio, Statements May 8, 2021May 8, 2021

Lacson: Palace Risking More Damage with ‘Damage Control’ Overkill on WPS Debate Issue

The more Malacañang tries damage control in the West Philippine Sea debate issue, the more it risks additional damage while worsening the deep political division in the country, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson said there is no point for raising further issues since the debate between President Rodrigo Duterte and former Justice Antonio Carpio will no longer push through.

“If you try doing too much damage control and it becomes obvious, you just risk more damage. The issue is finished, there is no more debate,” he said in an interview on DWIZ radio.

“A piece of unsolicited advice to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque or those in Malacanang: It is better to just stay quiet. After all, the debate won’t push through,” he added.

Continue reading “Lacson: Palace Risking More Damage with ‘Damage Control’ Overkill on WPS Debate Issue” →

Statements May 7, 2021

On the Prospective WPS Debate between the President and former Justice Carpio

First, a public debate is always healthy in a democratic environment – as long as it is limited to the issue at hand, and does not go down to the gutter level.

On one hand, a question comes to mind: What do we gain from the debate, assuming that it pushes through? One other dire outcome is further divisiveness that only China will benefit from.

I could almost imagine the anticipated excitement on the part of the Chinese while watching all these developments as they continue to be busy surveying more shoals within our exclusive economic zone that they can build more garrisons to pursue their expansionist agenda in the West Philippines Sea.

That said, the hype surrounding the debate should not distract us into allowing the Chinese to sneak into our territory while we argue among ourselves. That would be the last thing we need for our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

*****

Statements, Videos May 6, 2021May 8, 2021

Ping, Sumaludo sa Pagbabantay ng AFP, PCG sa WPS

Matapos matagumpay na maitaboy palayo sa Sabina Shoal sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) ang ilang barko ng Chinese militia, ipinaabot ni Senate Committee on National Defense Chairman Panfilo Lacson ang pagsaludo sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Kasabay ng pagsaludo at paghanga, umaasa si Lacson na itutuloy-tuloy ng dalawang puwersa ng pamahalaan ang masigasig na pagbabantay sa mga bahagi ng WPS na lehitimong pag-aari ng Pilipinas.

Ayon sa senador, kailangang dapat na palaging alerto at listo ang puwersa ng PCG at AFP na nakatalagang magbantay sa mga bahaging pag-aari ng Pilipinas upang hindi sila masalisihan dahil hindi malayong pumasok ang mga dayuhan kapag sila ay nakalingat.

“We must not let our guard down. Since the 1990s, China has already made three incursions into our exclusive economic zone (EEZ): Mischief Reef, Scarborough Shoal, and now, Julian Felipe Reef. They are likely to do so again if we relax,” pahayag ni Lacson.

Statements, Videos May 6, 2021May 8, 2021

Lacson to AFP, Coast Guard: Keep Up the Good Work at WPS

After driving away Chinese ships off Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard should keep up the good work of watching over the area, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Thursday.

But Lacson stressed our forces must keep alert over our territory and maintain such an approach to intruders, lest they sneak in when our guard is down.

Essays, Online May 6, 2021May 8, 2021

Divided We Sink [published in The Manila Times]

Sen. Lacson’s commentary published in The Manila Times: “I am sure many Filipinos — not only those who are neither DDS nor Yellows, but even some from either political camp, whether they admit it or not — share some, if not all, of these views. We should thus continue speaking our minds independently, especially in pursuit of our national interest.”

Continue reading “Divided We Sink [published in The Manila Times]” →

Statements May 4, 2021May 8, 2021

Ping: Anong Klaseng Kaibigan ang China?

Ito ang nagtatakang tanong ni Senador Panfilo Lacson bunga ng patuloy na pangangamkam sa sakop ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas, pang-aagrabyado at pagkibit-balikat ng China sa mga protestang inihahain ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) dahil sa mga ginagawa nito sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Bunga ng mga naturang pangyayari, iminungkahi ni Lacson, chairman ng Senate Committee on National Defense, na muling pasadahan ang mga nilalaman ng diplomatic ties ng dalawang bansa.

Sa kanyang Twitter post, nanawagan din ang mambabatas sa mga kasamahang senador na suportahan si DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. sa pagpalag nito sa isa sa pinakahuling ginawa ng China sa mga Pinoy na nasa WPS.

“Maybe a review of the country’s diplomatic relations is timely and called for. All the diplomatic protests that the Secretary of Foreign Affairs filed have been ignored as if nothing was filed at all. The continued incursions and bullying finally got his goat. The Senate must support him in this regard,” banggit ni Lacson.

Statements May 4, 2021May 8, 2021

Lacson Pushes Review of PH-China Diplomatic Ties

What kind of friend – or benefactor – would take what is ours, bully us, and ignore our protests?

On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is seeking a review of the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China, in the wake of China’s recent incursions and bullying in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson also said the Senate should throw its support behind Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who in a tweet had told China to “get… out” after filing numerous diplomatic protests over China’s conduct.

Radio, Statements May 2, 2021May 8, 2021

Ping: WPS, Ibang Mahahalagang Usapin ‘Nilulunod’ ng Away-Pulitika

Hindi dapat malagay sa kompromiso ang pakikipaglaban ng Pilipinas sa mga bahagi ng West Philippine Sea (WPS) na nasa loob ng teritoryo nito, pati na rin ang iba pang mahahalagang usapin dahil lamang sa lumalalang bangayan ng dalawang magkalabang paksiyon sa pulitika sa bansa.

Ayon kay Senate committee on national defense chairman Panfilo Lacson, higit na nakakarami pa rin ang mga may lehitimong layunin para sa ikakaayos ng bansa kaya hindi dapat matabunan ang hangaring ito ng dalawang grupo na gamit ang troll farm.

“We are a deeply divided nation. DDS and Yellows bicker about anything. Worse, they assume that everybody else is their proxy. Right or wrong, either you’re with them or against them. Absolutely false! There are many of us who speak our own minds, not theirs,” banggit ni Lacson sa kanyang Twitter account.

Radio, Statements May 2, 2021May 8, 2021

Lacson: Don’t Let Deep Political Divide ‘Drown’ WPS, Key National Issues

Majority of Filipinos must not let the deep “political divide” keep them from coming up with a united stand on the West Philippine Sea and other issues of national importance, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson lamented that while there are tens of millions of Filipinos who have their own opinions about important issues, only two groups are dominating the conversation, and mostly through the operation of troll farms.

Radio, Statements May 1, 2021April 30, 2021

Ping: Mga Lider ng Bansa, Dapat Magkaisa sa Laban sa WPS

Sa halip na magtalo-talo, dapat nang magkaisa ang mga lider ng bansa sa usapin ng pakikipaglaban ng Pilipinas sa China sa karapatan sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Ayon kay Senador Panfilo Lacson, Chairman ng Senate Committee on National Defense, hindi malayong samantalahin ng China ang sitwasyon kapag hindi pa nagkaisa ang mga lider ng Pilipinas dahil nakikita nilang mahina ang isang bansang may nagaganap na bangayan.

Ayon pa sa mambabatas, hindi rin dapat idinidikit sa usapin ng agawan sa WPS ang mga bakuna laban sa COVID-19 na donasyon ng China sa bansa dahil papalalain nito ang hidwaan sa pagitan ng mga lider.

Radio, Statements May 1, 2021April 30, 2021

Lacson: PH needs United Stand on WPS Issue

The Philippines’ top leaders must come up with a united stand on the West Philippine Sea issue instead of bickering, lest it exposes a weakness that China can exploit, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said over the weekend.

Lacson also stressed China’s donation of COVID-19 vaccines should not be connected to the issue of our sovereignty and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea, as doing so may cause division.

“Ang irony nito at nakakalungkot, sa halip na magtulong-tulong tayong mga Pilipino, especially mga leaders, tayo pa nag-aaway-away sa usaping West Philippine Sea. Dapat iisa ang position natin. Yan ang nagpapakita ng weakness natin sa China (The sad irony is that instead of coming up with a united front, we – especially our leaders – are bickering on the issue. What we need is a united position. Otherwise, we are just showing our weakness, one that China could exploit),” Lacson, who chairs the Senate committee on national defense, said in an interview on DZXL radio.

“Dapat magsimula tayo na nagkakaisa tayo na dapat ipaglaban natin ang ating sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dapat walang kinalaman ang bakuna sa usaping territorial integrity and national sovereignty (Our stand must start with upholding our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Vaccines have nothing to do with this issue),” he added.

Statements, TV April 20, 2021April 20, 2021

Ping, May Payo sa Commander-in-Chief sa Sigalot sa WPS

Chinese vessels at Julian Felipe Reef. Image Courtesy: AP

Hindi nararapat para sa Commander-in-Chief na maglabas ng mensaheng magbubunsod ng interpretasyon na tila sumusuko na ang pamahalaan sa pakikipaglaban sa Tsina para maangkin ang bahagi ng West Philippine Sea.

Ito ang naging tugon ni Senador Panfilo Lacson, Chairman ng Senate Committee on National Defense, makaraang ihayag ng Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na maaring mauwi sa madugong sagupaan ang situwasyon kapag pinilit ng Pilipinas na igiit ang pang-angkin nito sa mga lugar.

“He’s the leader of our country and he’s the commander-in-chief of our armed forces. He can think of anything and speak about anything except surrender. Remember, we have an arbitral ruling in our favor and it’s permanent although it’s unenforceable. There are so many things to think about except surrender. We cannot wave the white flag, so to speak,” banggit ni Lacson sa panayam ng CNN Philippines.

Ayon kay Lacson, posibleng malagay sa alanganin ang kasarinlan ng Pilipinas kapag hindi ito nasolusyunan.

“I am not saying the President is actually raising the white flag but that’s the implication. If the officers and men of the AFP would take it that way, it could be disastrous to Philippine sovereignty,” dagdag ni Lacson.

Statements, TV April 20, 2021April 20, 2021

Lacson: Commander-in-Chief Cannot ‘Surrender’ on WPS Issue

The Philippines’ Commander-in-Chief cannot afford to send the wrong message – especially implied surrender or resignation – on our territorial disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Tuesday.

Lacson said this after President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday night that the Philippines may risk bloodshed and a no-win situation if it asserts its jurisdiction.

Statements April 6, 2021April 6, 2021

On Diplomatic Protests against Repeated Chinese Incursions

Diplomatic protests may not be too helpful anymore as China continues to ignore the same. Further, while it is a standard document used to call the attention of the other party, China’s consistent attitude of taking for granted such action taken by the DFA reduces it to a mere point of information.

That said, perhaps China would not be so dismissive if we and our allies, both in the Asia-Pacific and the west, show we can band together to maintain a balance of power in the region, including the West Philippine Sea.

*****

Statements April 5, 2021April 5, 2021

On the Continued Presence of Chinese Ships at Julian Felipe Reef

Filipinos should stand foursquare behind DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for making known his strong position in defending our country’s sovereign rights over the Whitsun Reef (Julian Felipe Reef) – and before that, the Mischief Reef, occupied by the Chinese during the period 1994-1995 and the Scarborough Shoal, which China cordoned off in 2012. All these have legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the existing arbitral ruling in our favor.

A sad reality is that while the ruling is permanent, it is unenforceable. The situation is made worse when our country’s leaders and foreign policy decision makers resort to acquiesce bordering on implied derogation of our sovereignty.

Even amid this pandemic, such “health crisis opportunism” being applied by China does not speak well of the assumed trust and goodwill between the two Asian allies. That said, our country is losing tens of billions of pesos a year in “stolen” aquatic resources, not to mention the wanton destruction of corals within our Exclusive Economic Zone that threatens our food security.

The fact that we are a militarily weak country that cannot match China’s military power should compel us to resort to establishing stronger alliances not only with other Asia-Pacific neighbors like Australia and Japan and the other ASEAN countries, but our long-standing western allies like the US and Europe.

Only through a clear message that the presence of “balance of power” in the West Philippine Sea can help us in this regard.

*****

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