SEN PING LACSON: KAKAMPI NATIN!

 

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Governor Office at Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos, Bulacan Support LACSON-SOTTO Tandem!

September 3, 2021 (Friday)

•Meeting with the leaders at Casie’s Restaurant, MacArthur Highway, Malolos, Bulacan

•Meeting with Gov. Dan Fernando at Bulacan Provincial Capitol, Malolos, Bulacan

 

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Comelec sets 'new normal' rules for #Halalan2022 campaign activities

Comelec sets 'new normal' rules for #Halalan2022 campaign activities

Thousands of supporters gather at a PDP-Laban campaign rally at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City on March 24, 2019.

 

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On the President's Call to the Senate Not to Investigate Ongoing Programs

 

On the President's Call to the Senate Not to Investigate Ongoing Programs

The Senate is composed of 24 republics. We ourselves cannot impose on each other. While we always respect the decision of the majority, we also make sure that we follow our individual convictions and beliefs, based on conscience.

I cannot see how anybody, even if he is the President of our country, can influence us especially on an issue involving public funds - and most especially in the middle of a pandemic. At least that is as far as I see it in my almost 18 years as a Senator of the Republic.

*****

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LACSON-SOTTO: "HINDI NAMIN KAYO BIBGUIN"

 

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HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of pesos more for "necessary vaccines"

 

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Socrates B. Villegas Quote

 

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On the Overpricing of PPEs Amid a Pandemic

 

On the Overpricing of PPEs Amid a Pandemic

Price matters. This applies to all items procured by the government, using the money of Filipino taxpayers, regardless of administration.

But price matters even more at this time, especially if there is gross overpricing of medical supplies involving billions of pesos in public funds while millions of Filipinos are losing their jobs due to the pandemic.

If we cannot see what is wrong with that - or worse, try to divert public attention from the issue - then certainly we are a ruined nation.

*****

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Sen Ping Lacson - Ano pa man ang hairdo ko!

 

Ano pa man ang hairdo ko, tuloy pa rin ang trabaho ko sa Senado. Sa mga sindikato sa gobyerno, isiping may nag-iimbestiga sa inyong anomalya!

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Sponsorship Speech for 20 DFA Officials at the Commission on Appointments

Sponsorship Speech for 20 DFA Officials at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of eight (8) Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of twelve (12) Senior Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of two (2) Senior Officials who are promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; four (4) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; five (5) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Career Minister; and, one (1) Senior Official promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class I.

Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body.

Mr. Chairman, may I request AMBASSADOR NORALYN JUBAIRA BAJA to rise to be recognized.

AMBASSADOR NORALYN JUBAIRA BAJA

Our nominee has relevant diplomatic credentials, particularly at the Philippine embassies in Athens, Greece, and Berlin, as well as leadership posts at the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations (UNOIO) where she has been consistently commended for her meritorious accomplishments.
Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is a great privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR NORALYN JUBAIRA BAJA as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of South Africa, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Madagascar, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Mozambique, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Zambia and Republic of Zimbabwe, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, this representation requests AMBASSADOR EDUARDO ECO KAPUNAN JR. to stand up and be recognized.

AMBASSADOR EDUARDO ECO KAPUNAN JR.

Our nominee is a pride of PMA’s snappiest Matatag Class of 1971, the same PMA Class to which another one of your own, former Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., belongs. A Cavalier and Mistah or classmate, a friend, a venerable public servant with a colorful and challenging military career. His over 31 years of successful management and leadership experience and sound reputation to “get things done” in the face of challenging goals will be instrumental in carrying out his mandate as a diplomat.

To this end, Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my distinct privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR EDUARDO ECO KAPUNAN JR as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Germany, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, it is also my privilege to present AMBASSADOR JUNEVER M. MAHILUM- WEST.

AMBASSADOR JUNEVER M. MAHILUM-WEST

Our subject nominee has ably represented our country in her foreign postings at the Philippine Embassies in Paris, France; Geneva, Switzerland; and Toronto, Canada. In her current designation as the Assistant Secretary of the Office of ASEAN Affairs, she has steered the Philippine participation in establishing mechanisms to support the ASEAN’s collective response to COVID-19 and to assist in setting our COVID-19 priorities.

Mr. Chairman, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR JUNEVER M. MAHILUM-WEST as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic with concurrent jurisdiction over the Principality of Monaco, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, next in line is AMBASSADOR DEENA JOY DY AMATONG.

AMBASSADOR DEENA JOY DY AMATONG

Ambassador Amatong entered the Foreign Service in 1997 and since then, has made significant strides to represent our country in her overseas posts at the Philippine Embassies in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; and, Vienna, Austria.

Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR DEENA JOY DY AMATONG as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, AMBASSADOR IGOR GARLIT BAILEN.

AMBASSADOR IGOR GALIT BAILEN

Our nominee wears many hats – so to speak – a lawyer, an educator, and a writer, who has also distinguished himself as the top-notcher of the Foreign Service Officer Examinations in 1996. He has taken important roles in diplomatic services such as in Paris, France as the Permanent Delegate of the Philippines to UNESCO in various capacities and as a Minister of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York, USA.

Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR IGOR GARLIT BAILEN as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Armenia, Republic of Belarus and Republic of Kazakhstan, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, AMBASSADOR ENRICO TRINIDAD FOS.

AMBASSADOR ENRICO TRINIDAD FOS

A lawyer and a diplomat by profession, Ambassador Fos has notable accomplishments as the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs, particularly in leading the repatriation of our distressed overseas Filipino workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He also has well-reputed foreign service during his stints at the Philippine Embassy/Mission in Washington DC, U.S.A. and Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR ENRICO TRINIDAD FOS as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Iceland, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, AMBASSADOR MARIE CHARLOTTE GOLIM TANG.

AMBASSADOR MARIE CHARLOTTE GOLIM TANG

Our nominee has been well-recognized for her valuable service and accomplishments in foreign policy development, and in her overseas postings particularly in The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and in Guangzhou and Beijing at the People’s Republic of China.

Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR MARIE CHARLOTTE GOLIM TANG as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kenya with concurrent jurisdiction over the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Seychelles, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Burundi and Union of the Comoros, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, last but definitely not the least in our roster – AMBASSADOR MARIAN JOCELYN R. TIROL-IGNACIO.

AMBASSADOR MARIAN JOCELYN R. TIROL-IGNACIO

Our nominee has competently served the Department of Foreign Affairs since 1996 and gained leadership roles at the offices of ASEAN Affairs and the United Nations and Other International Organizations. She also has relevant roles at the Philippine Embassies in Stockholm, Sweden, and Tokyo, Japan. During her stint, she puts a premium on important matters of biodiversity and climate change and digitalization and cyber security.

Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR MARIAN JOCELYN R. TIROL-IGNACIO as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Negara Brunei Darussalam, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I would also like to recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following officials to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I:

1. MR. NARCISO TEODORO CASTAÑEDA. I so move, Mr. Chairman

2. MS. GINA ALAGON JAMORALIN. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I would also like to recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following officials to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II:

1. MS. NINA PADILLA CAINGLET. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

2. MS. MARIA THERESA STA. MARIA LAZARO. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

3. MR. PORFIRIO MARALIT MAYO JR. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

4. MR. IVAN FRANK MODEQUILLO OLEA. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

I would also like to recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following officials to the rank of Career Ministers:

1. MR. ARVIC VENTURA AREVALO. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

2. MS. MELANIE RITA BALISI DIANO. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

3. MS. MARY JENNIFER DOMINGO DINGAL. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

4. MR. BRYAN DEXTER BURGOS LAO. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

5. MS. LEAH VICTORIA CARADA RODRIGUEZ. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I recommend the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of MS. RACHEL ANNE LINDAIN ORONCE to the rank of Foreign Service Officers, Class I. I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Maraming salamat po, Ginoong Chairman.

*****

 

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Life story of “71” Senator Panfilo Morena Lacson

Life story of “71” Senator Panfilo Morena Lacson

Si Senator Panfilo Lacson ay ipinanganak noong Hunyo 1, 1948 sa Imus, Cavite. Siya ay nagtapos ng elementarya sa Mababang Paaralan ng Bayang Luma at sekondarya sa Imus Institute.

Kumuha muna siya ng AB Philosophy sa Lyceum bago pumasok sa Philippine Military Academy (PMA) noong 1967.

 

“Ang aking mga magulang ay nakatira pa rin sa Cavite at madalas naming binibisita,” ani Lacson. Mahirap man ay pinagsumikapan ng kanilang mga magulang na mapag-aral ang walong anak. Malimit din itagubilin ng mga magulang ni Lacson sa kanila na ang edukasyon ang tanging yaman, at walang sino man ang makababawi sa kanila.

 

Sila ay itinaguyod ng kanilang mga magulang mula sa kita sa pamamasada ng jeepney ng ama at pagtitinda ng kanilang ina. Ang determinasyon ng kanilang mga magulang na mabigyan sila ng magandang kinabukasan ang nagbigay inspirasyon kay Lacson na pagsumikapang mapagtagumpayan ang kanyang mga Pangarap.

 

Dinala ni Ping ang pangalan ng kanyang pamilya na may dignidad at lumaki siyang puno ng prinsipyo. Dala niya ang katangiang ito hanggang sa pagpasok niya sa PMA. Lalo niyang ipinagyabong ang kanyang mga prinsipyo sa Philippine Constabulary mula nang siya ay pumaloob makaraang magtapos sa PMA (CLASS 1971).

Noong kabataan ni Lacson sa Imus, tinalo niya ang isang kilalang tigasin sa kanilang lugar kahit na mas malaki sa kanya. Ginawa niya ito upang matigil ang paghahari at panggugulo ng siga.

Ang kanyang pagnanais na itama ang mali ang naging daan upang tanggalin ang mga kotongerong pulis dahil nakita niyang mali ang ginagawa nilang pagpapahirap sa maliliit na mamamayan.

 

“Nang ako ay naging pinuno ng PNP noong 1999, hinangad kong ibalik ang nawawalang paggalang sa mga pulis. Noong bata pa ako, ang pulis sa aming baryo sa Cavite ay iginagalang kagaya ng principal ng isang paaralan.

“Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, nawala ang respetong ito. Nasasaksihan natin ang mga tao at motorista na umiiba ng ruta kapag nakakikita ng pulis sa dulo ng kalye, dahil alam nilang kokotongonan sila. Kung makakita ka ng pulis sa isang madilim na eskinita, tutuloy ka pa ba? Normal na reaksiyon na ‘yun, iiwas ka na lang dahil baka makotongan ka pa.”

 

Bilang hepe ng PNP, ibinalik ni Lacson ang dating imahe at integridad ng pagiging pulis mula sa pagiging malakas at matipunong katawan hanggang sa pagiging determinadong tagapagpatupad ng batas kahit na suhulan pa nang milyon.

Sa 14 na buwan na panunungkulan, nagkaroon ng makabuluhang pagbabago sa pulisya na naging daan upang gumanda ang imahe sa publiko at makakuha ng 69% na pagsang-ayon (approval rating) mula sa mga mamamayan.

Ngunit hindi lahat ng repormang kanyang ipinatupad ay naging popular sa kanyang mga kapwa pulis.

Upang maging mas epektibo ang paglaban sa kriminalidad, ginawa niyang 15% ang dating 65% na pondo para sa matataas na opisyal at ‘desk jockeys’ at ibinahagi ang malaking porsiyento sa mga nagpapatrolyang pulis.

 

Upang mabawasan ang katiwalian, ipinatupad niya ang pagpapahayag ng budget ng PNP sa internet, kasama na ang hotline na numero at e-mail address upang maisumbong ang mga tiwaling opisyal sa punong himpilan ng PNP.

Ang hakbang na ito ay nagresolba sa pagpataw ng parusang administratibo sa 2,000 opisyal ng pulisya dahil sa paglabag sa pagtitiwala ng mamamayan.

Mula 1971 hanggang 1986 ay ginugol niya ang kanyang panahon bilang opisyal sa pangangalap ng impormasyon sa Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group, na nabuwag matapos mapatalsik ang dating Pangulong Marcos noong 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

Pagkatapos nito ay naging kasapi siya ng Philippine Constabulary Integrated National Police Anti-Carnapping Task Force at mula 1988-1989 ay naging Provincial Commander siya ng Isabela. Noong 1989 siya ay itinalaga na commander ng Cebu Metrodiscom hanggang 1992.

Itinalaga siya ng noo’y Bise Presidente Joseph Estrada bilang pinuno ng Presidential Anti Crime Commission-Task Force Habagat na itinuturing na pinakamabigat niyang tungkulin bago siya naging hepe ng PNP.

Itinalaga siyang hepe ng PAOCTF noong 1998. Nahirang siyang hepe ng PNP noong Nobyembre 1999 sa edad na 51 anyos, ang pinakabatang naging pinuno nito.

Mula pagpuntirya sa mga kotongerong pulis noong kanyang kapanahunan bilang hepe ng PNP, itinutok niya ang kanyang atensiyon sa ibang malalaking negosyante na walang awang nagpapahirap sa mga mamamayan; ang mga gahamang Independent Power Producers (IPPs) na nagpapataw at sumisingil ng maanomalyang Purchase Power Adjustment (PPA).

Hayagang binatikos ni Lacson ang mga korporasyon na nagkamal ng malaking salapi sa publiko. Sa ngayon, ang mamamayan ay mayroon nang kakampi na pwede nilang pagkatiwalaan na lalaban hanggang sa mapagtagumpayan.

Kahit na noong siya ang hepe ng PNP ay ‘di naatim ni Lacson na gumamit ng kapangyarihan para sa kanyang pansariling kapakanan.

“Hindi ko naramdaman ang kapangyarihan,” ani Lacson.

“Ang kanyang tsuper, pag merong naka-encounter sa kalsada, lagi kong sinasabihan na, ‘o wag mo nang patulan, wala tayong panalo diyan,” mabugbog mo ‘yan o baka mabaril mo problema pa natin. Pagpasensiyahan mo na lang. Mainitin kasi ulo ng driver ko,” pabirong sabi niya.

Kailanman ay hindi pinagsabi ni Lacson ang kanyang mga nagawa.

Sabi nga niya, kung uulitin muli ang kanyang buhay ay muli niyang gagawin lahat iyon.

“Walang pagsisisi kahit na tumanggi tayo sa pera mula sa jueteng,”aniya

“Kapag isa kang Regional Director, tatanggap ka ng P3 milyon kada buwan. Kapag chief ng PNP, sigurado naman ang P5 milyon, puwera pa ‘yung ibang extra. Pero ano naman ang mukha mong ihaharap sa tao? Maganda ang auto mo, maganda ang damit mo, pero alam nilang galing ang pera sa katarantaduhan, maipagmamalaki mo ba iyon?”

Ginamit ni Lacson ang kanyang magandang track record bilang pinuno ng PNP nang siya ay kumandidato sa pagka-senador. Kahit na kabi-kabila ang paninira at batikos sa kanya ng mga kalaban ay hindi naging sagabal upang ihalal siya ng mga mamamayan hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Mabilis siyang natuto bilang mambabatas at siguradong ipagpapatuloy ni Senator Panfilo Morena Lacson ang malawakang pakikibaka ng mamamayan nang buong puso, lalo na ngayon na ang Pangulong Digong Duterte na ang Pangulo ng Filipinas.

***

Dalawang magigiting na living legendary generals ang nagbalik ng nasirang imahe at integridad ng PNP, si Senador Panfilo M. Lacson and now C/PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

May your tribe multiply. Mabuhay po kayo. Godspeed.

KONTRA SALOT – Abner Afuang

 

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