Lacson: DPWH's Proposed 2022 Budget Shows Devolution Only on Paper

Lacson: DPWH's Proposed 2022 Budget Shows Devolution Only on Paper

October 19, 2021 - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)'s compliance with the Supreme Court and Malacañang's directives to devolve certain functions - and funds - to the local government units for 2022 may be good only on paper, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson bared Tuesday.

Lacson noted that in the DPWH's proposed P686.1-billion budget for 2022, it is still the central office that handles funds for items and projects which should be devolved and implemented by LGUs.

"While 89 percent ang nawala sa Local Program, nag-increase ang Convergence and Special Support Program by 232 percent (While there was an 89-percent decrease from funds for local programs, there was an increase of 232 percent for convergence and special support programs)," he said at the hearing for the DPWH's 2022 budget.

"They are compliant on paper but in reality they are not complying. That’s my point," he added.

Lacson noted the DPWH appears at first glance to be compliant with the Supreme Court's Mandanas Ruling by decreasing its budget for local programs by 88.9 percent, with the assumption that the programs and funds will be handled by the LGUs.

He also pointed out that the 2021 budget item entitled "Various Infrastructure Including Local Projects" (VILPs) is no longer present under the DPWH FY 2022 budget to comply with the devolution efforts. Yet, projects of the same nature are lodged under their program, "Convergence and Special Support Program," which had a 232-percent increase.

"Different nomenclature but exactly the same program... Nothing is being devolved here," he said, adding his scrutiny showed the actual budget decrease for the DPWH was only 5.8 percent.

Lacson also questioned the DPWH officials present on the role of LGUs in the planning phase of all these programs under the DPWH's operations budget.

"What participation did they have in the preparation of the 2022 budget under these Programs, Activities and Projects?" he said.

Meanwhile, Lacson - who has championed the needs and priorities of the local government units - reiterated the Supreme Court's Mandanas Ruling should be a very good opportunity for LGUs to be technically capacitated.

"The LGUs should actively participate concerning local PAPs. It is now the time to activate the local development councils because alam natin over the past years masyadong centrally managed ang infrastructure projects ng national government (It is the time to activate the local development councils because over the past years, infrastructure projects of have been centrally managed by the national government)," he said.

"Very little if at all ang participation ng LGUs. This is an opportune time to be compliant with the SC ruling and EO 138 issued by President Duterte," he added.

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FROM Claudyn Caparon Post:Let Me Share With You An Emotional Weather Report— A Very Personal Account Of WHY I WILL VOTE FOR PING LACSON

 FROM Claudyn Caparon Post:

Let me share with you an emotional weather report— a very personal account of WHY I WILL VOTE FOR PING LACSON.

Got some free time and I thought I have to say my piece about the loads of messages I’ve been receiving lately— some out of courtesy for supporting Presidential bets different from mine; most of them, to quiz me. With a very few exceptions, I accord respect to everyone’s opinions. Afterall, this season in politics is very personal and emotional for all of us. Rightly so, as we have never been more distressed with our lot in life since 2016.

Hence, for whatever it’s worth, let me tell you about my Presidential candidate:

One, HE RESPECTS WOMEN AND ALL GENDER IDENTITIES. He is first call out wimps for insensitive remarks about women and LGBTQ+. For those who know me, this matter is a non-negotiable. Gladly and rightfully, I have never felt slighted nor wronged under his watch.

Two, HE LISTENS—INTENTLY AND DISCERNINGLY. He takes opinions from experts and common tao, saying public office should always be participative. He crunches numbers and data like it’s a breeze. But most importantly, siya yung classmate mo na nag-aaral at nagsusunog ng kilay para prepared sa quiz at recitation.

Three—HE’S TOUGH, BUT HE IS FAIR. He never tolerates wrongdoing— especially when it involves money. When he raises an issue, he backs it up with sheer proof and castigates people who raise “chismis” without credible and verifiable evidence. He doesn’t discriminate when calling out erring government officials. Explains why he is not a “popular candidate”. He may have few friends in Congress because he never puts up with even a whiff of corruption, even considered an odd one, but he sure is respected. He is first to investigate abuse in power and forefront in exposing the brouhaha of this administration. Tells us that he won’t be manipulated or played up by anyone.

Four— HE NEVER ABUSED HIS POWER. He hates wangwang, dismisses bevy of entourage, and veers away from asking favors for his benefit. He pays his due even if everyone volunteers to take care of the bill, never uses his name to advance personal interests of friends, and hates asking for personal favors. He is not beholden to anyone. That’s for sure.

Finally, HE IS UNDERRATED— FOR A REASON. Primarily because he hates peddling himself on TV, name-bearing ayuda, media frenzy when he’s doing his work. That he hates the phalanx of cameras and traditional politics put him in contrast with others who never shy away from TV bonanza. Sa mga tanong na “ano ba nagawa nyan” at “hindi naman bumababa si Ping sa mga komunidad” — wala man laging kasunod na cameraman, I can sincerely tell you that he has done more than enough (hindi lang epal).

A disclaimer: I have worked with Senator Lacson since 2014 when I signed up for a writing stint for Yolanda rehab. This post is not asked of me—I just believe he deserves a fair share of an honest and personal account of his person in the midst of this crazy, crazy world.

All told, I pray that we all have a good run this election. Let’s elevate the discourse and be respectful — to each other and to our country. Tayo dapat ang panalo, hindi sinumang politiko. #weneedaleader2022

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#ilagaysatama #LacsonSottoFor2022 #SupportPingLacson #TitoSenforVicePresident #LacsonForPresident #LacsonSotto #SupportLacsonSottoFor2022 #PingLacsonforpresident

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Lacson to DSWD: Prioritize Capacitating of 5th, 6th-Class Towns

Lacson to DSWD: Prioritize Capacitating of 5th, 6th-Class Towns

October 19, 2021 - Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson on Monday urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to prioritize fifth- and sixth-class municipalities in its Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation (TARA) program.

Lacson said this would help ensure that the DSWD is able to maximize its funds for the program while benefiting the local government units that need assistance most.

"One criterion na naisip ko, i-prioritize siguro fifth- and sixth-class municipalities kesa first-class municipalities, kasi hindi na siguro kailangan, technically capacitated na sila (One criterion I can think of is to prioritize assistance to the fifth and sixth-class municipalities. First-class municipalities likely do not need the assistance as much as they are already technically capacitated)," he said at the Senate hearing on the DSWD's budget for 2022.

He also sought clarification why the TARA continues to provide technical assistance yearly to 1,240 municipalities since 2015.

Technical Assistance includes activities through which the DSWD imparts technical and organizational skills and knowhow to a local government unit, another agency or organization, groups or individuals - especially where the latter seek for such - with the aim of standardizing and upgrading the delivery of basic social services.

Lacson shared his experience as Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) where his office helped technically capacitate 171 cities and towns affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) - where those who were given assistance graduated from the Development Academy of the Philippines after a number of years.

He acknowledged the financial assistance extended at the time by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through then Mission Director Gloria Steele to OPARR that made possible the enrollment and graduation of more than 160 development and community planning officers of the LGUs devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

"Siguro kung itong P1.121 bilyon taun-taon, marami na kayo napa-graduate ng masteral kesa capacitate sa pamamagitan ng training (With your P1.121-billion budget per year, you should have produced graduates with masteral degrees instead of only capacitating them with training)," he said at Monday's hearing.

Lacson, who continues to advocate the empowerment of local government units to carry out development projects, also stressed that it would be better if the TARA was need-driven rather than demand-driven.

Citing historical data, Lacson said the TARA had a budget of P632 million in 2016; P756 million in 2017; P891 million in 2018; P970 million in 2019; P979 million in 2020; and P1 billion for 2021.

"Hindi natin kinu-question pero baka hindi na-attain ang tunay na objectives. Hindi ba result-driven ito (I am not questioning the TARA itself, but with this current approach, are we meeting our objectives? Should this not be result-driven)?" he said.

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LACSON-SOTTO For 2022 Supporters In Municipality of Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

LACSON-SOTTO For 2022 Supporters In Municipality of Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

 

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An AIM Classmate's comment on Kim Henares' post. For consideration of LACSON-SOTTO Strategists.

An AIM Classmate's comment on Kim Henares' post. For consideration of LACSON-SOTTO Strategists.

I too favored Ping, among the rumored and cast options, such as BBM, MP, SD,ST, IM. Reading your post, I am further enlightened and agree with the issues and concerns Kim articulated. Quite frankly, I also see these issues and concerns, shared by Leni. While I see both candidates in agreement on these issues, what I saw with Ping is the ability to be strong handed and to lead, by fear and unpopularity, if necessary. On the other hand, I see in Leny the ability to lead, not so much by fear and discipline, which I feel will be necessary at times, but by love and affection, which we saw with Cory, but had not been effective otherwise when fear and discipline were necessary. I believe that Leni saw this as well and tried to work with Ping. But as she declared afterwards, they differed in process and methodology, without explaining further. I suspect they differed in Leni's stress on inclusivity and listening, versus Ping's willingness to be less of both, that Leni decided to cast her own candidacy.

But as Kim said, we all are entitled to vote our conscience. I just hope and pray that we ALL do, rather than either swayed by non-sense, twinkle eye fairy tale, cinderella euhporia. nor blindness to history.

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SEN PING LACSON #ilagaysatama

SEN PING LACSON #ilagaysatama

 

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#pinglacson ILAGAY SA TAMA

 #pinglacson ILAGAY SA TAMA

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PingBills | Lacson’s BRAVE Bill Empowers LGUs to Achieve Inclusive Growth

 PingBills | Lacson’s BRAVE Bill Empowers LGUs to Achieve Inclusive Growth

Local government units will soon get much-needed funding for their key development projects with the proposed Budget Reform for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) Act of 2019 filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson.

Senate Bill 23 guarantees an annual Local Development Fund to help LGUs in provinces, cities, towns and barangays implement their three-year Comprehensive Development Plans.

Under the bill, a LDF for financing development projects, activities and programs will be given to:

💎 Provinces: P500 million to P1 billion per year

💎 Cities: P100 to P200 million each per year

💎 Towns/municipalities: P50 to P100 million each per year

💎 Barangays: P3 to P5 million each per year

The amount of LDF for each province, city or town shall be based on the following criteria:

💎 50 percent of the prescribed amount for first-class LGUs

💎 60 percent of the prescribed amount for second-class LGUs

💎 70 percent of the prescribed amount for third-class LGUs

💎 80 percent of the prescribed amount for fourth-class LGUs

💎 90 percent of the prescribed amount for fifth-class LGUs

💎 100 percent of the prescribed amount for sixth-class LGUs

The LDF is to be automatically and directly released to every LGU at the start of the fiscal year or quarterly within five days at the start of each quarter. The national government cannot impose a lien or imposition against this fund.

However, the LDF will not be released without a certification from the Local Government Academy that the LGU is capacitated to plan and implement its Comprehensive Development Plan.

But LDF funds may not be spent for items that are not related to or connected with the development PAPs. LDF funds cannot be spent for PAPs that may duplicate or overlap with PAPs implemented by the national government agencies. Neither shall they be used as a counterpart fund to support national government agencies' identified PAPs.

A yearly performance review of the LGUs' implementation of their programs will be held. LGUs deemed unsatisfactory may have their LDFs slashed by 50 percent the following year, and terminated in case of two successive unsatisfactory performances.

Meanwhile, a web-based monitoring system will be adopted. Information accessible to the public may include funding/cost, location, contractor, progress status, number of beneficiaries, date of completion and responsible government official, of the PAPs.

A Congressional Oversight Committee will monitor and oversee the implementation of the provisions of this Act. The Committee shall be composed of five members each from the Senate and House of Representatives. It will be chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committee on Local Government from both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Also, a sunset review of the law will also be held after five years or as the need arises, to determine remedial legislation.

For its part, the Local Government Academy will establish a continuing capacity program for LGUs, to make sure LGUs are capacitated to plan and implement development projects.

"By giving the LGUs the necessary wherewithal to be active participants in the development of our country, we will end the culture of mendicancy and political patronage that viciously thrive in our system. Ultimately, this will help us realize the elusive inclusive growth that we all aspire for as a nation," Lacson said.

https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/02/pingbills-lacsons-brave-bill-empowers-lgus-to-achieve-inclusive-growth/

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SEN PING LACSON FOR PRESIDENT-LACSON-SOTTO FOR 2022

SEN PING LACSON FOR PRESIDENT

LACSON-SOTTO FOR 2022

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How Lacson Struck Fear Into the Hearts of Kidnappers Victimizing Cebuanos

 How Lacson Struck Fear Into the Hearts of Kidnappers Victimizing Cebuanos

October 17, 2021 - Before he became the "pork hunter" of the Senate, Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was the scourge of kidnap-for-ransom gangs - not only in Metro Manila, but in Cebu.

Campaign spokesperson Ashley Acedillo recalled how Cebuanos were in awe of Lacson when he headed the Philippine Constabulary's Metropolitan District Command in Cebu in the late 1980s.

"Maybe the newer generation of Cebuanos were too young to remember that kidnapping was once a dreaded scourge in Cebu. It was only a certain Police Colonel Ping Lacson who turned the tables and became the scourge of the kidnappers," said Acedillo, who grew up in Cebu.

He noted how Lacson quickly gained the respect of Cebuanos after rescuing from kidnappers a nine-year-old boy belonging to a prominent Cebuano family.

Lacson refused to accept the financial rewards from the boy's family, as he maintained he and his team were "just doing our job."

"Ping showed integrity not only when he refused the reward - he made sure the ransom money that was recovered was returned intact," Acedillo said.

Acedillo said these memories, along with later stories of Lacson refusing bribes as a public official, showed Lacson's incorruptible nature.

Lacson - who would go on to bust more kidnap-for-ransom gangs as head of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission's Task Force Habagat in the early 1990s - also earned the support of Cebuanos, such that they considered him an "adopted son."

"He never took a bribe as a public official. He never stole public funds. He never used his pork barrel as a legislator. He never abused power nor his position," Acedillo said.

"So the question is, if corruption were the biggest problem of the country today, who among the presidential candidates would the corrupt people in government and Philippine society fear the most? I guess the answer is obvious," he added.

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Lacson-Sotto Sets Safety Standards Higher with ‘Online Kumustahan'

 Lacson-Sotto Sets Safety Standards Higher with ‘Online Kumustahan'

October 17, 2021 - Touching base with constituents while observing health protocols amid the pandemic.

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson and Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III managed to do both on Saturday as they kicked off their "Online Kumustahan" with constituents in Antipolo, Rizal.

"What the Lacson-Sotto tandem wanted is to continue touching base with constituents, to get a feel of their problems and concerns and to answer questions they may have, but without putting anyone's health at risk," said Lacson's campaign spokesperson Ashley Acedillo.

"And based on the initial feedback we got, it was a rousing success!" he added.

He said similar events with constituents in other parts of the country are scheduled in the coming weeks.

"The Lacson-Sotto tandem will continue to draw ideas from ordinary Filipinos in crafting their roadmap after June 2022. The roadmap is a work in progress, and Online Kumustahan activities like this would be the way to go," Acedillo said.

Lacson and Sotto joined residents of eight barangays in Antipolo City - Bagong Nayon, Beverly Hills, Dela Paz, Mambugan, Mayamot, Muntingdilaw, San Isidro and Santa Cruz - in a Zoom conference on Saturday afternoon. The conference was livestreamed on Lacson's Facebook page.

During the conference, Lacson stressed the importance of leadership by example, which he and Sotto committed to upholding should they win in the 2022 elections.

Lacson also reiterated his commitment to implement budget reforms to make sure the government's limited resources are maximized for development projects at the local level.

For his part, Sotto vowed to implement a comprehensive and holistic anti-drug war that will put emphasis not just on law enforcement but on awareness and abuse prevention as well.

Both Lacson and Sotto also stressed the importance of restoring trust in the government.

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