SENATOR PING LACSON- ANG TUNAY NA LIDER!

 SENATOR PING LACSON- ANG TUNAY NA LIDER!

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Lacson: Policy of Discipline, Bodycams to End 'EJKs' and Other Abuses

Lacson: Policy of Discipline, Bodycams to End 'EJKs' and Other Abuses

November 26, 2021 - A policy of discipline, backed by the use of body cameras, will be the answer of the Lacson administration in stopping extra-judicial killings and other abuses by rogue members of the Philippine National Police.

"One word - Discipline. Disiplinahin natin ang uniformed services. Nagsisimula ang abuso kung nawala ang disiplina sa PNP, AFP and uniformed services (One word - discipline. We will ensure discipline in our uniformed services. Abuses start when discipline is lost in the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and uniformed services)," Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson stressed on Thursday at the weekly LACSON-SOTTO Meet the Press media forum.

Lacson said the discipline-based policy has worked before - particularly when he won back the people's trust in the PNP when he headed it from 1999 to 2001 due to a no-nonsense "leadership by example" approach.

He also said one tool that would help prevent abuses is the use of body cameras by police personnel, to ensure transparency in their operations.

"On the spot makikita kung may violation o wala. Para rin sa protection ng pulis yan (On the spot, you will see if the police committed violations. But that is also for the defense of police accused of abuses)," he said.

He added he will not allow the mentality of some rogue police personnel to manipulate evidence, stressing the need to keep the trust of the people especially in far-flung areas where the only representative of the government is the police officer.

"Knowing their mentality… I would know how to address the issue of manipulating evidence. Hindi natin papayagan yan (We will not allow that). It is important to restore trust," he said.

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

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

November 26, 2021 - 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.

"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," Lacson said in his resolution.

He also called for a comprehensive development plan that includes concrete projects to improve the quality of life and to ensure the efficient delivery of public services.

"Resolved further, that in pursuit of sending a stronger message of assertion that Pag-Asa Island is ours, a comprehensive Development Plan must be crafted laying-out concrete projects, programs and activities aimed at improving the quality of life and efficient delivery of public services therein," he said.

Lacson, in his resolution, noted Pag-asa Island is considered a municipality of Palawan by virtue of Presidential Decree 1596 dated June 11, 1978 - yet is surrounded by Chinese maritime vessels despite our repeated diplomatic protests.

Also, he warned that if these continuing acts of the Chinese maritime vessels in the West Philippine Sea remain unchecked and unchallenged, they may "constitute clear and present danger not only to our national interest and territorial integrity but also to the peace and stability of the entire Asia Pacific Region."

He noted that in 1995, China seized Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and turned it into a 550-hectare air and naval outpost that can deploy military assets and conduct surveillance over the West Philippine Sea.

In 2012, China disregarded an agreement brokered by the United States to end the standoff in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal by not withdrawing from the area, and instead constructing chain barriers to prevent access by the Philippines. China also refused to accept the Philippines' arbitral victory in 2016 and continues to occupy and enjoy the marine resources.

Worse, at least three Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and water-cannoned two Philippine supply boats en route to Ayungin Shoal, which is well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-nile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), last Nov. 16.

Philippine officials including President Rodrigo Duterte issued a statement in the ASEAN-China Special Summit denouncing the Nov. 16 incident and urged China to exercise utomst self-restraint in Philippine territory.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. condemned the incident while Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana maintained China has no right to impede, prevent or harass our ships within our EEZ.

Only last Nov. 20, Lacson had a firsthand experience of Chinese bullying while en route to Pag-asa Island, as Chinese authorities issued a radio challenge to the pilots of the plane he was riding. Despite the challenge, Lacson and his party managed to visit the island - but received text messages that read "Welcome to China!"

In calling for a balance of power in the region and for development programs for Pag-asa Island, Lacson stressed the importance of the West Philippine Sea in ensuring freedom of navigation and unhampered international trade.

"Considering the importance of the West Philippine Sea in ensuring freedom of navigation, unhampered international trade and commerce in the Asia Pacific Region and the vital role it plays in the security and safety of the region, there is a need to uphold a rules based maritime order in the area to maintain the balance of power and stability therein," he said.

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#GringoSaludoSaPilipino

 #GringoSaludoSaPilipino

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LACSON-SOTTO IS THE STRONGEST TANDEM KNOWN AS "THE DARK HORSES"

LACSON-SOTTO IS THE STRONGEST TANDEM KNOWN AS "THE DARK HORSES"

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LACSON-SOTTO Supporters of Mataas Na Bayan, Lemery, Batangas

LACSON-SOTTO Supporters of Mataas Na Bayan, Lemery, Batangas

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LACSON-SOTTO Supporters in Negros Occidental

 LACSON-SOTTO Supporters in Negros Occidental

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LACSON-SOTTO Supporters of Barangay Putong, Lapinig, Northern Samar

 LACSON-SOTTO Supporters of Barangay Putong, Lapinig, Northern Samar

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

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

November 25, 2021 - "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.

"Pag may nakitang problema o kakulangan sinusundan natin ng aksyon. Hindi pangako lang, talagang gagawan namin ng paraan ni Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III (If Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III and I see a problem, we not just promise. We follow it up with action)," Lacson said at the weekly LACSON-SOTTO Meet the Press media forum.

He said he proposed P254.241 million to fund the enhancement of the facilities in Kalayaan, including:

* P5.393 million for the procurement of power system requirements;

* P15.351 million for the procurement of rubber boats with outboard motors;

* P233.497 million for the procurement of communication and other mission-essential equipment for KIG detachments.

Lacson also proposed an additional P38.509 million for the Pagasa Island Research Station (PIRS), whose support and development would be key to understanding - and sustainably utilize - marine resources in the West Philippine Sea. This includes:

* P10 million for a two-storey dormitory building/marine facility

* P28.509 million to purchase marine scientific and oceanographic equipment

Earlier this week, Lacson also pushed for a high school and additional hardship allowances for the students and teachers there. The island currently has only one elementary school and two teachers.

Other amendments Lacson proposed for the 2022 budget include a P100-million increase in the subsidy for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

However, Lacson lamented that the budgets of some agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, still have a big disconnect with the needs and priorities of the local government units.

For his part, Sotto said that if he and Lacson win the 2022 elections, Lacson can solve the persistent issue in preparing the budget.

Sotto said Lacson will be honed by 18 years of experience in scrutinizing the budget in the Senate.

"Can you imagine if Sen. Lacson is President and will execute the budget and propose the National Expenditure Program? Pagkatapos ng 18 taon scrutinize niyan at bigyan ng pagkakataon siya gagawa ng NEP at mag-execute ang laki ng ginhawa ng ating mga kababayan (Can you imagine if Sen. Lacson is president and will execute the budget and propose the National Expenditure Program? After 18 years of scrutinizing the budget as a senator, if he will be given a chance to prepare the NEP, I am sure the people will feel the benefits of the national budget under his administration)," he said.

Lacson is running for President under Partido Reporma while Sotto is running for Vice President under the Nationalist People's Coalition.

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Lacson: National ID Rollout, 'Made in the Philippines' Drive to Address Joblessness, Inflation

Lacson: National ID Rollout, 'Made in the Philippines' Drive to Address Joblessness, Inflation

November 25, 2021 - A more efficient rollout of the National ID and a "Made in the Philippines" drive will address joblessness and inflation under a Lacson presidency, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said Thursday.

Lacson told the weekly LACSON-SOTTO Meet the Press forum that the National ID would help the government create a database to match workers’ skills with job opportunities.

"Kailangan madaliin para ang database natin malinaw at kitang kita sa skills ng tao para match mo sa job opportunities para mabawasan rate of unemployment (We should speed up the rollout of the National ID system so we can create a database that can match people's skills with available job opportunities. This will address the problem of unemployment)," he said.

He added the job skills matching would help provide our workers with better opportunities to get jobs and salaries best suited to their skills.

Lacson was the author and sponsor of the National ID measure, which was signed into law in 2018.

On the other hand, Lacson said he will push for a "Made in the Philippines" drive that will lead to a shift from an import-dependent mentality to one that is export-oriented.

"Ang import-driven mentality dapat bawasan natin at pa-igtingin natin ang MSMEs para maging export-oriented tayo. Ang mentality natin from import-dependent country gawin nating export-oriented tayo. Tangkilikin natin 'Made in the Philippines' products (We should replace our import-driven mentality with one that is export-oriented, to benefit our micro, small and medium enterprises. Government should intervene to assist our agriculture sector to enhance our food security and productivity and avoid importation of agriculture products that we can grow locally. We should all favor products that are 'Made in the Philippines')," he said.

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

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

November 25, 2021 - 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.

Also, he said the BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded vessel serving as an outpost of the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, should be refurbished and reinforced.

"Dapat huwag natin bayaang iusog... Kung kakayanin lagay tayo ng isang barko doon na functioning (We should not allow it to be moved. And if possible, we should even reinforce it with another vessel that is functioning)," he said.

Lacson said this is not the first time China is intruding into the Philippines' territory and exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

As early as 1995, he said China occupied Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. This was followed by a standoff at Panatag Shoal in 2012. Lacson noted Panatag Shoal is 118.79 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine coastline, well within 200 nautical miles and way closer compared to China.

Despite China violating a gentleman's agreement brokered by the United States, the Philippines won an arbitral victory in 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China had no right over the area. Yet, China still dared lay claim over the area, which is 105 nautical miles off Palawan.

Meanwhile, Lacson said he is drafting a Senate resolution to express the Sense of the Senate to condemn the recent actions taken by China in the West Philippine Sea.

He also asked to be a co-author of Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III's Senate Bill 2289, "An Act Declaring the Maritime Zones under the Jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines." Sotto expressed his conformity to the move.

Under the bill, the Philippines could exercise sovereignty over its internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea, and the airspace over it as well as its seabed and subsoil in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other existing laws and treaties.

The bill "provides for the needed flexibility in the passage of subsequent laws pertinent to the rights and obligations to which the Philippines is entitled and may exercise over its maritime zones."

"Kailangan may municipal law para klaro, parang nine-dash line na sinasabi ng China, para ma-reinforce ang ating sinasabing pag-aari sa WPS (We need a municipal law similar to China's nine-dash line, to reinforce our rights in the WPS)," Lacson said.

Lacson also reiterated his stance to maintain a balance of power in the region while the Philippines works to attain a minimum credible defense posture.

He said this entails accelerating the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but the Philippines is spending less than one percent of its budget for this while its neighbors spend more than two percent of their budgets for the purpose.

On the other hand, Lacson said that while the Philippines should still maintain trade relations with China, it should continue to assert its sovereignty and sovereign rights over the exclusive economic zone.

"Mas maganda trade relations with China maintain natin pero assert natin ang sovereignty and sovereign rights over the EEZ at ang ibang sovereignty natin ang nakataya (It is better to maintain trade relations with China but assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights over the EEZ)," he said.

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