Lacson wants to decriminalize libel, ‘more teeth’ to civil liabilities

Lacson wants to decriminalize libel, ‘more teeth’ to civil liabilities

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — A “sword of Damocles” should no longer be hung over the heads of journalists, presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson said as he vowed to spearhead any move to decriminalize libel.

However, Lacson said there should be “more teeth” to civil liabilities.

“For the media in general, I will support any move and even spearhead a move to decriminalize libel. This is a perennial problem. But ito yung [this is the] catch, i-decriminalize natin [let’s decriminalize] but we’ll put in more teeth doon sa [to] civil liabilities. Because after all, you should be responsible enough with what you are writing or broadcasting,” he told reporters in a press conference here.

“So alisin natin ‘yung [So let us remove the] criminal aspect pero dagdagan natin yung [but be more strict with] civil liabilities,” he added.

“Meaning pwede kayong pagmultahin ng hanggang [erring journalists could be fined up to] P100 million, joke lang [just kidding],” he said.

Under the Revised Penal Code, libel is punishable by imprisonment of six months to six years.

The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, or Republic Act No. 10175, on the other hand, punishes the crime of libel committed through the use of the internet.

“Yung pag-spearhead o pag-support ng [The spearheading or support for the] move to decriminalize, it’s about time. Because…in this day and age of this modern information technology, wala na dapat ‘yung mga laging merong naka-hang na [there should be no more hanging of the] sword of Damocles, so to speak, over the heads of our media people,” Lacson continued.

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Lacson-Sotto tandem unperturbed by latest survey results

Lacson-Sotto tandem unperturbed by latest survey results

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) — Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III are unfazed by the results of the latest survey by Pulse Asia.

Lacson said surveys are no longer believable as it does not reflect their experience on the ground.

“Hindi naman kami nasa bahay lang at nanonood," Lacson told reporters. "Kami mismo nagpupunta and I think hindi lang naman ako ang pwedeng magsabi niyan.”

[Translation: We are not just at home and watching everything. We travel to places and I think I'm not the only one who can say this.]

The latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from March 17 to 21 showed that Lacson remains in the fifth spot with 2% rating, while Sotto is still in second place with 20%.

“I’m not disturbed with the surveys," Lacson stressed. "Sabi nga namin, lahat ng rallies na pinupuntahan namin, hindi lang rally, direct engagement with the people. We' ll stick to that.”

[Translation: As we said, we go to all rallies and we have direct engagement with the people.]

Meanwhile, Sotto echoed Lacson’s stance saying that surveys only condition the minds of the voting public.

“We have the support of the people on the ground," Sotto said in a statement. "I don't know what figures they are talking about.”

The tandem said they will just continue their strategy of engaging voters through town hall meetings.

They have been wooing voters in Central Visayas in the past few days. Lacson said they will return to Cebu to try to get as many votes as possible in the latter part of the month.

“We are working on it," Lacson said. "That's why gusto naming bisitahin ang North Cebu, South Cebu, and we have schedules for later part of April for the City of Cebu.”

[Translation: We are working on it. That’s why we wanted to visit North Cebu, South Cebu, and we have schedules for the later part of April for the City of Cebu.]

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On the Call to Exempt Teachers' Election Honoraria from Taxes

On the Call to Exempt Teachers' Election Honoraria from Taxes

April 7, 2022 - It goes without saying that I support such an appeal from our public school teachers. It is the least that the government can give them as incentive for the extra and thankless - yet patriotic - duty.

There is no time to lose for the agencies concerned to act on the matter. Our teachers who are going on election duty deserve no less.

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On the Comelec's Allowing the Resumption of Fuel Subsidy Distribution

On the Comelec's Allowing the Resumption of Fuel Subsidy Distribution

April 7, 2022 - Way to go and kudos to the Commission on Elections for acting expeditiously on such a no-brainer issue involving the fuel subsidy grant under the Special Provision under the Department of Transportation's 2022 budget.

This is a great deal for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, as well as farmers and fisherfolk who are dealing with the continued rise in prices of oil.

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Lacson slams billionaires among party-list nominees: Time to amend law

Lacson slams billionaires among party-list nominees: Time to amend law

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said the purpose of the party-list system has been defeated as he criticized billionaires that “dominate” the party-list representations in Congress

“Ang original intent ng party list system, ‘yung batas, naka-enumerate doon kung ano ang mga marginalized, mga farmers, kung anu-ano talaga ‘yung marginalized but over time puro bilyonaryo na ‘yung nominees, ‘yung mga congressmen, mga representative. Alam mo minsan kapag pumunta kayo sa loob ng Forbes Park eh andun ‘yung ang lalaking billboard ng mga party-list, ‘yung mga kumakandidato,” Lacsont told reporters here.

(The original intent of the party-list system, the law enumerates what sectors are marginalized, the farmers, but over time it seems that nominees are billionaires, the congressmen, the representatives. You know, sometimes, when you go to Forbes Park, there are big billboards of party lists and the face of the candidate.)

“Hindi na talaga marginalized ang representation ng party-list and it defeated the purpose of representation ng mga marginalized sector. Saan ka nakakita party-list ‘di ba, security guards may party-list, tapos basketball may party-list,” he added.

(The representation is not really marginalized anymore and it defeated the purpose of representation of the marginalized sector. Where can you see a party list for security guards, for basketball players?)

While these are sectors that also need attention, Lacson said there are “more deserving” groups that need representation in the House of Representatives to advocate for their needs.

Asked if the law providing for the party-list system should be amended, Lacson answered in the affirmative.

“From the original intent of giving the marginalized sector representation in the legislature, it has now evolved into something else. Billionaires dominate the party-list representation which has effectively defeated the intent of the law,” Lacson said in a separate message to reporters.

This, as he agreed with President Rodrigo Duterte’s view on the party-list system in the country, which the Chief Executive said is being used by the rich to lobby for their interests in Congress.

“It clearly shows how grounded PRRD is. He knows exactly how the party-list system has been abused over time,” Lacson said.

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LACSON-SOTTO TANDEM: "HINDI NAMIN KAYO BIBIGUIN"

LACSON-SOTTO TANDEM: "HINDI NAMIN KAYO BIBIGUIN"

IBOTO SA DARATING NA

MAYO 9, 2022!

LACSON SA NUMERO 5

SOTTO SA NUMERO 9

HUWAG KALIMUTAN!

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ANG PROGRAMA AT PLATAPORMA NG LACSON-SOTTO TANDEM!

ANG PROGRAMA AT PLATAPORMA NG LACSON-SOTTO TANDEM!

HUWAG KALIMUTAN SA MAYO 9, 2022

LACSON NR. 5 FOR PRESIDENT

SOTTO NR. 9 FOR VICE-PRESIDENT

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Lacson, Sotto favor renewing ABS-CBN franchise ‘to enhance competition’

Lacson, Sotto favor renewing ABS-CBN franchise ‘to enhance competition’

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The tandem of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III has expressed approval to the franchise renewal of broadcast giant ABS-CBN.

“Yes, not for anything, but to enhance competitiveness or competition,” Lacson told reporters in a press conference here on Tuesday when asked if he is in favor of renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise.

“Kasi dati dalawa ‘yung [Before there were two] TV networks, of course may [there is] SMNI, TV5, CNN, marami pang iba pero magbawas ka ng isa, mababawasan ‘yung [and others, but take out one, it would lessen the] competition,” he added.

Lacson also acknowledged the role of the media in exposing abuses in the government.

“Dapat i-enhance natin ‘yung [We should enhance the] participation ng [of] mass media in our society. Kasi kayo ‘yung watchdog, hindi ba [Because the media is the watchdgo, right]? Siguro kung walang media, mas maraming [Maybe if there’s no media, there would be more] abuses. That’s a fact,” the presidential candidate said.

Sotto agreed: “Like 1972…Maraming[many]  abuses, walang [no] media.”

The Senate president went on to say that he is in favor of renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN, citing a bill he earlier filed in the Senate to revive the network’s franchise.

ABS-CBN’s franchise expired in May 2020 and the National Telecommunications Commission directed the network to stop operating its free television and radio broadcasting stations.

When ABS-CBN’s franchise expired, its franchise application was still pending before the House committee on legislative franchises, which denied its renewal in July 2020.

Since ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal was denied in the House, the Senate could not act on it as franchise bills should first be approved in the lower chamber.

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Lacson Questions Suspension of Fuel Subsidy Distribution

Lacson Questions Suspension of Fuel Subsidy Distribution

April 7, 2022 - Independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson questioned Tuesday the suspension of fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle operators and drivers by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board during the election period from March 25 to May 8.

Lacson said that unless there is jurisprudence affirming such a suspension, it is unfair to the PUV operators and drivers, as well as drivers of tricycles and regular delivery services hit by the escalating oil prices.

"Unless there is jurisprudence along that line, I don’t think the national government should be covered by the election ban on providing social services to our people especially at a time when the prices of fuel continue to go up," he said.

Lacson said the fuel subsidy is a "call of the times," adding the continued rise in the prices of oil threaten to crush those in the transport sector, as well as fisherfolk and farmers.

Also, Lacson strongly urged the Senate to act on the issue by exercising its oversight functions and questioning the basis of the implementing agencies for suspending the subsidy.

Besides, he said the law particularly the General Appropriations Act stipulates that the government provide subsidies to affected sectors.

"Hindi ko ma-reconcile ang vote buying pagdating sa ganyan (I do not see how that can be construed as vote buying)," he said.

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Lacson Thanks Bohol Mayor for Igniting His Passion in Scrutinizing National Budget

Lacson Thanks Bohol Mayor for Igniting His Passion in Scrutinizing National Budget

April 5, 2022 - Now it can be told: It was a Boholano mayor who ignited the passion of independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson to scrutinize the national budget.

At the start of a meeting with representatives of sectoral groups in Bohol Tuesday, Lacson thanked Jagna Mayor Joseph Rañola for teaching him everything about analyzing the budget.

"There’s one person who taught me everything. The Filipino people owe it to him na may Sen. Lacson sa Senado na nagtitiyaga at nagkakalkal ng budget (There's one person who taught me everything. Filipinos owe it to him that there is a Senator Lacson who pores through the national budget)," he said.

Lacson - who earned a reputation as a tough, eagle-eyed watchdog of the national budget - said it was Rañola, then a private citizen, who helped him realize the importance of making the budget work for Filipinos.

When he won his first Senate seat in 2001, Lacson said he faced a learning curve as he was still used to his work as a law enforcer who spent sleepless nights solving kidnap-for-ransom cases, robberies, and other crimes.

Rañola's guidance also helped Lacson in his advocacy to give local government units a fair share of the budget so they can implement their local development projects.

During his 18 years as senator, Lacson and his staff would spend nights poring over the budget and ridding it of questionable insertions - despite the contents of the budget bill being inches thick and in tiny 10-point font.

"Mahirap pag-aralan pero sa turo niya, pinagtiyagaan at pinagaralan ... at nakabisado ko na rin (It was hard at first but with his guidance, I persevered and learned to scrutinize the budget)," he said.

"Because of the scrutiny, we saved taxpayers at least P300 billion," Lacson added.

Lacson and his vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, along with senatoriables Minguita Padilla and Emmanuel Piñol, received a warm welcome in Bohol.

The Lacson-Sotto tandem are bringing their message of good governance directly to the people as they move to counter "survey politics," especially since they have an average of 40 percent "soft votes" where they are being considered by voters but the voters are hesitating because they are not leading in the surveys.

Also, the Lacson-Sotto tandem said Filipinos should learn to decide for themselves instead of succumbing to the survey or bandwagon mentality, lest they waste their votes by not voting for someone who is most competent, most qualified, most experienced, and with the highest integrity in public service.

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Ping Lacson: Don’t waste votes on incompetents and thieves

Ping Lacson: Don’t waste votes on incompetents and thieves

MANILA, Philippines — Independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson appealed to Filipinos going to the polls this May 9 not to waste their votes on incompetents and thieves.

“Palagi naming naririnig – sayang daw ang boto sa mas kwalipikado dahil baka hindi lang manalo. Ang totoong sayang na boto ay para sa hindi karapat-dapat manalo at sa mga magnanakaw na dapat walang karapatang maluklok sa pwesto,” Lacson said in his closing statement at the Commission on Elections’ PiliPinas Presidential Debates.

(We always hear Filipinos saying they won’t waste their votes for the qualified because they have little chance of winning. But the real waste is in voting incompetents and thieves who don’t deserve the posts.)

Earlier, Lacson had lamented that Filipinos have had to bear the consequences of voting for the wrong candidates.

He said Filipinos should get rid of the “survey mentality” or voting for less-than-qualified candidates only because the surveys indicate they have a good chance of winning.

“Maawa na po tayo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino,” Lacson said Sunday night.

(Let us take pity on our fellow Filipinos)

Also, Lacson stressed that the Filipino is worth fighting for, despite the “money politics” in this campaign, along with the accompanying opportunism and treachery.

“With the rigors and influence of money politics in this campaign, and the opportunism and treachery that go with it, I keep asking this question: Is the Filipino still worth fighting for? Each time, I always get the same answer: Yes, the Filipino is worth fighting for,” he said.

“Mahal ko ang aking bayan. Handa kong ipagtanggol laban sa mga dayuhang mananakop at sa mga may kapangyarihan na nagsasamantala sa mga kapos-palad nating mga kababayan,” he added.

(I love my country. I am ready to defend it against foreign invaders as well as the powerful who prey on the poor.)

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WE WILL UNITE AND STAND FIRM FOR PING LACSON!

WE WILL UNITE AND STAND FIRM FOR PING LACSON!

VOTE! PING LACSON FOR PRESIDENT
NUMBER 5 SA BALOTA!

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‘Tough leader’ Lacson moved by show of support from Cavaliers, friends

‘Tough leader’ Lacson moved by show of support from Cavaliers, friends

MANILA, Philippines — Even the toughest of leaders show their emotional side once in a while – independent presidential bet Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is no exception.

Lacson was moved by the gesture of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cavaliers and friends from the Lacson-Sotto Support Group (LSSG), who signed a manifesto of support for his presidential bid.

The group also gave testimonials on why he should be President.

“Truth to tell, it actually hit my emotion deeply while listening and watching the replay of the event on Facebook. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat (I thank all of you)!” he said.

The manifesto of support was signed Friday by more than 100 members of the LSSG, composed mostly of retired generals and his fellow graduates or Cavaliers from the PMA.

Among the LSSG members at Friday’s event were former Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, former Department of Information and Communications Technology Sec. Eliseo Rio, former Bureau of Land Transportation head Col. Mariano Santiago, and retired M/Gen Carlos Tañega; former Department of National Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta; former Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissoner Kim Henares.

“It is an understatement to describe the event — ‘emotionally uplifting and inspiring to watch our cavaliers and friends display their sincere and all-out show of support and unequivocal commitment to our shared advocacy for the betterment of our country and people,’” said Lacson.

He caught a part of the press conference’s livestream on Facebook after returning  home Friday from a three-day campaign sortie in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

He described the testimonials as “deeply moving.”

Lacson earned a reputation as an unflinching “tough cop” and “tough senator.” In his law enforcement days, he neutralized criminal gangs including kidnap-for-ransom syndicates and would decline offers of rewards from rescued victims’ relatives. As senator, he would reject his pork barrel allocations while exposing corruption and other wrongdoing.

Friday’s show of support came a week after Lacson parted ways with Partido Reporma last March 24 after learning that its high officials were supporting another candidate, and is now running as an independent bet along with vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

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VOTE! PING LACSON FOR PRESIDENT!

 VOTE! PING LACSON FOR PRESIDENT!

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Sapul ang mensahe! Husay ng content! Ping for the win! Share po natin to!

Sapul ang mensahe! Husay ng content!

Ping for the win! Share po natin to!

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

https://www.facebook.com/100006520040753/videos/347852550712084/

Uunahan ko na kayong lahat. HINDI ITO APRIL FOOL's PRANK. The clips you'll see here are real and actual moments na binalita. Sa ganitong aspeto, wala tayong oras mag lokohan. Hindi rin ako bayad dito. Talagang quick video compilation lang na inedit ko kung gaano ka BADASS ni Senator Ping. Na for the longest time, isa na talaga sya sa mga nagtatanggol sa ating bansa para ma protektahan ang mamamayan at mai-ayos ang sistema ng Pilipinas.

Another true story ay, ginawa ko tong compilation video na to dahil ito ang aking paraan para ipakita ang aking supporta sa nagiisang candidato na alam kong pinaka karapat dapat maging Pangulo ng ating bansa:

• Track record-wise

• Attitude-wise

• Platform-wise

• Communication-wise

• Leadership-wise

Itong compilation na to, ito yung mga videos na nakita ko noong mga panahong nag rresearch pa lang ako sa mga tatakbong kandidato. Sana mapakita nito kung anong klaseng leader si Senator Ping Lacson:

- straightforward

- unbiased (walang kaibikaibigan or connection, kung mali ka... mali ka.)

- problem solver

- kung gaano sya kagaling mag analyze ng sitwasyon/problema... at ang pinaka maganda sa lahat, how he already has possible actions and solutions para sa problemang yun.

Karamihan kasi sa mga politiko natin dito, ang hilig mag raise ng concern, pero wala namang solution. So paano yun diba? Mema lang?

Isa lang masasabi ko... vote wisely mga kapatid. Meron pang oras para pagisipang mabuti kung sino ang dapat umupo sa position na yan.

Hindi mo dapat ibase sa kung anong nakikita mo sa poll, hindi dapat kung sino ang sikat, hindi dapat kung saang pamilya sya galing, at lalo na...hindi dahil sa revenge voting...I-BOTO kung sino ang sa tingin mo ang talagang makakagawa ng paraan para umunlad ang bansa natin...yung meron nang napatunayan at capable pang may mapapatunayan, hindi lang para sayo pero para sa lahat ng Pilipino. Alam niyo naman kung sino yun... hindi lang dahil sa performance nya noong debate ha. Panoorin nyo to para malaman mo.

#PingLacson2022

#10BadassMomentsniPing

#5PresidentePingLacson

#pinglacsonforpresident2022

#PingGaling

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