Lacson: Lawmakers' Pet Projects Should Undergo Planning, Consultation

Lacson: Lawmakers' Pet Projects Should Undergo Planning, Consultation

January 1, 2022 - For 2022 and beyond, development projects being advocated by lawmakers should undergo at least proper planning and consultation with the proper local authorities as well as implementing agencies.

Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson aired this hope as he said the country cannot afford to continue wasting hundreds of billions of pesos in unutilized funds in the budget due to "pork"-related corruption.

"Kailangan dumaan sa masusing pagpaplano. Maski mag-'insert' ka basta may consultation (Projects should go through thorough planning and consultation. Even if a project is 'inserted' into the National Expenditure Program, there is nothing wrong so long as it underwent the proper consultations)," said Lacson, who has flagged billions of pesos in questionable projects in his yearly scrutiny of the national budget.

In an interview on TeleRadyo last Dec. 29, Lacson lamented that an average of P300 billion a year in the budget from 2011 to 2020 went unused because the projects "inserted" by some lawmakers did not undergo proper planning or consultation.

He said that while lawmakers have the right to amend the National Expenditure Program - the version submitted by Malacanang to Congress - by inserting their projects, there should be no "commissions" involved.

"Karapatan ng mambabatas mag-amend sa NEP. Ang masama kung kumuha ng 20-40% depende sa katakawan. Yan ang mahirap sikmurahin (It's the right of lawmakers to propose amendments to the NEP. What is bad is that some use their earmarks to get commissions or up to 40 percent. That is the part that is unacceptable)," he said.

"Kaya may P300 bilyon per year, from 2011 to 2020, na unused appropriations. Ini-insert kasi sa Congress. Paano i-implement ng ahensya yun, ng DPWH (That's why from 2011 to 2020, an average of P300 billion a year in the budget went unused - all because of the insertions by some lawmakers. How can agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways implement the projects if they were not consulted)?" he added.

Lacson said this is all made worse by the fact that Filipinos are still mired in poverty.

"Ang kasuklam-suklam, pag may commission ang proyekto. Naghihirap ang Pilipinas, pagkatapos napupunta sa bulsa ng ilang tiwali at matatakaw sa pera (This practice of commissions is abhorrent. Filipinos are mired in poverty, yet billions of pesos that should go to development projects end up in the pockets of some," he said.

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On The COA Report Flagging P1.44 Trillion In 'Idle' Projects

On The COA Report Flagging P1.44 Trillion In 'Idle' Projects

We owe it to the next generation of Filipinos to act now with strong political will in addressing corruption.

It is high time for government prosecutors from the Ombudsman or Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as investigating agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to give utmost importance and attention to the regular and special Commission on Audit (COA) audit reports if we intend to be serious in stamping out corruption in the country.

For one, the audit reports provide very good leads in identifying misuse and abuse of public funds and pursuing cases against erring public officials as well as their cohorts in the private sector - including contractors and suppliers.

So much is lost to corruption, oftentimes committed with impunity by shenanigans who continue to laugh their way to the banks while we, the taxpaying public, are left with the proverbial empty bag. We are already neck-deep in debt without seeing the commensurate programs, projects and activities (PPAs) designed to uplift the lives of Filipinos.

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How Lacson's Integrity, No-Nonsense Leadership Converted a 'Foe'

How Lacson's Integrity, No-Nonsense Leadership Converted a 'Foe'

From a fierce foe to a staunch supporter.

This was how former Interior Secretary Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno described his reason for supporting - and managing - the presidential campaign of Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson.

"Si Ping Lacson, buong buhay ko sa gobyerno nang magkasama kami, magkaaway kami... Ang haba ng history namin, parang dalawang magkaklase sa isang eskwelahan na nag-a-aspire maging No. 1, di ba lagi silang magkaaway (When Ping Lacson and I served together in the government, we butted heads. We were like classmates vying for top honors. When that happens, wouldn't they clash)?" said Puno, who now manages Lacson's presidential campaign.

During the Estrada administration, Lacson served as Philippine National Police chief, while Puno served as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. The DILG supervises the PNP.

He said one of the causes of their clashes stemmed from Estrada's order to go after illegal gambling but exempting some gambling lords. Lacson had continued to go all-out against all illegal gambling due to his no-take policy and leadership by example.

Puno recalled that their working relationship was even marred by the filing of charges and issuing of arrest orders.

But he said he never lost respect for Lacson, who he said is the cleanest, most dedicated, most sincere, and most honest public servant. Thus he did not hesitate when Lacson's camp reached out to him to help in his campaign.

"Sa tagal ko sa gobyerno, 25 years old nasa gobyerno na ako, wala akong nakilala - wala, wala - na kasing-linis, kasing-tino, kasing-dedicated, kasing-sincere at kasing-honest as Ping Lacson (I joined the government when I was 25 years old. Throughout my stint in government, I have never met anyone as clean, level-headed, dedicated, sincere and honest as Ping Lacson)," he said.

"Ito yung pinakamagaling na pagkakaibigan na nagmula sa away. Walang rason bakit kami magkaibigan. Walang rason bakit nandito ako ngayon (This is the best kind of friendship, one that started on the wrong foot. There was no reason for us to be friends. There was no reason for me to be here)," he added.

Puno said his goal now is to make Lacson - now the standard-bearer of Partido Reporma - defy the claims of naysayers who cite recent "surveys," especially at this critical time for the country's future.

"Sa survey, nalalagay tayo sa baba. Pero ang nasa baba, walang pupuntahan kundi pataas (Some surveys put us down there. But when you're down, there's nowhere to go but up)," he said.

"Ang sabi nila nakagawa daw ako ng tatlong Presidente. Sana sinabi nila apat: Ping Lacson (They say I helped 'make' three Presidents. They should have added a fourth: Ping Lacson)," he added.

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CNN PHILIPPINES ON SEN PING LACSON

CNN PHILIPPINES ON SEN PING LACSON

 

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On the President's Comment that Government Funds are Depleted

 On the President's Comment that Government Funds are Depleted

I would suggest that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) be convened immediately so the members of the Cabinet can mobilize the different agencies using their Quick Response Funds (QRF) and other relevant appropriations available under their disposal, among others.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) should be required to submit an initial Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in areas devastated by Odette. This will guide the President to prioritize aid and assistance based on the needs and extent of damage.

For its part, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should organize a meeting with the different ambassadors to appeal to the international community of nations for assistance just like what we did days after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda.

Meanwhile, there is also a need to organize the mobilization of the country’s business and private sector to extend assistance in order to maximize and prioritize relief and rehabilitation efforts in the hardest hit areas. As it is happening now, efforts are disorganized and the interventions of politicians and presumptive candidates are not helping much.

All these will help us to prepare for the possible spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. As I have repeatedly stressed, the judicious spending of funds based on accurate data is the key.

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Why I Choose Sen. Ping Lacson For President

 Why I choose Sen. Ping Lacson for President:

I have not seen any other presidential candidate whose heart and dedication to public service extends beyond regional borders and political colors than Sen. Ping Lacson. 

He is not clannish, but independent-minded. He does not look into political affiliations or colors, but maintains that “what is right should be kept right and what is wrong must be made right”.

Despite the possible backlash of the Anti-Terror Law to his political ambition, he bravely sponsored and defended it upon his belief that that law is needed to balance the anti-terrorism campaign of the government between the concerns of the terrorists, both local and foreign, and that of the law enforcers.

He is honest and did not enrich himself with all the opportunities that he had. In fact, he did not get his “pork” while younger during all the twelve years that he was in the senate, therefore, he is not expected to enrich himself as president now that he is much older.

He scrutinized our national budget like a budgeting housewife and believes that our problem is the government itself, hence, he promises to fix that government if elected president to channel money lost in corruption to the economic, health, education and general well-being of our less fortunate Filipinos, among others.

He wants to give more financial assistance to the poorer LGU’s through his Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE).

He is trained and experienced in national security and that training and experience will be a big plus in our dealing with the domestic security problems and international relations relative to China and the West Philippine sea.

He has already proven his kind of leadership when he disciplined the police, placing the PNP and himself to a new high of public trust.

His type of leadership is what we, the taxpayers, are paying for to train our future leaders at PMA.

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Lacson Pushes 2-Pronged Approach to Speed Up 'Odette' Relief Efforts

Lacson Pushes 2-Pronged Approach to Speed Up 'Odette' Relief Efforts

An initial Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) that can help pinpoint areas to prioritize relief efforts on one hand, and calling on the international community for relief assistance on the other.

This is the two-pronged formula that can ensure Filipinos affected by Typhoon Odette will get their much-needed assistance, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said.

Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and who served as Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR), said these will complement the initial steps taken by the government to address the situation.

"It is imperative that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), expedite the submission of their initial PDNA (Post Disaster Needs Assessment), in order to have an accurate data-driven information on the ground so the national government can prioritize relief, rehabilitation and recovery efforts and assistance to the hardest hit communities," he said.

"For its part, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) may also call on the international community of nations for relief assistance just like how they responded to Haiyan (Yolanda) eight years ago," he added.

Lacson noted the designation of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista as the interim crisis manager is one move toward the right direction.

But he added the NDRRMC must convene soonest to make sure that the agencies involved in relief work are on the same page.

"In calamities like this, putting somebody overall in charge is the best and right thing to do. Also, the NDRRMC will need to convene ASAP," he said.

During his stint as PARR, Lacson put together the Yolanda Comprehensive Reconstruction Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (CRRP) to serve as a basis for immediate government interventions in the affected areas.

The CRRP also facilitates international donor assistance and provides Projects, Programs, and Activities (PPAs) to meet the needs as identified in the PDNA (ground verified information from the OCD).

As PARR from 2013 to 2015, Lacson had seen first-hand what challenges a massive catastrophe can bring to government, the private sector and  affected communities. As chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Lacson also heads the Joint Oversight Committee on the NDRRMC Act of 2010.

“This is beyond a policy or a legislative issue already. The issue of implementation is a big factor, too. We have to systematically approach the way we plan, prepare, deploy, recover and rebuild from any disaster - whether natural or man-made. Given its whole-of-nation, multi-sectoral nature, I believe a more experienced, more hands-on President will go a long way in ensuring that better policies and strategies, better planning, a more coordinated response, and more institutional and sustainable mechanisms are all put in place," he said.

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Aayusin Ang Goberno, Aayusin Ang Buhay Mo, Aayusin Ang Buhay ng Bawat Pilipino! Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!

Aayusin Ang Goberno,

Aayusin Ang Buhay Mo,

Aayusin Ang Buhay ng Bawat Pilipino!

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!

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Spox: Lacson Re-Tasks Partido Reporma Campaign Team to Focus on ‘Odette’ Response

Spox: Lacson Re-Tasks Partido Reporma Campaign Team to Focus on ‘Odette’ Response 

As a clearer but grimmer picture emerges on the extent of the damage wrought by Typhoon Odette, Senator and presidential aspirant Panfilo “Ping” Lacson directed various teams from his Partido Reporma, campaign volunteers, and even his own Senate staff to focus on helping the victims of the storm, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Since Saturday, December 18, simultaneous relief efforts have been undertaken by these teams in Cebu, Leyte and Siargao with additional volunteers joining to help in Southern Leyte, Negros Island, and Palawan, Partido Reporma spokesman Ashley “Ace” Acedillo said. Through its alliance with LPGMA Party-List, Partido Reporma will also dispatch a Landing Craft Tanker (LCT) to ferry heavy equipment, housing materials, food, and water to various affected areas in Visayas and Mindanao in the next few days, Acedillo added.

Lacson, in a recent out-of-town engagement, called for a moment of silence in for those who perished in the typhoon, which as of Monday has reached 375 persons, according to the Philippine National Police.

The former PNP chief once again stressed that he prefers to work quietly to aid others without media fanfare, which he believes negates the pure intentions and efforts of any would-be Good Samaritan. Lacson reiterated this in Partido Reporma’s most recent “Online Kumustahan” dialogue in Lingayen City, Pangasinan last Sunday with running mate Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and the party’s senatorial candidates, saying: “Ang pagdamay ay pwedeng ipakita sa gawa - hindi lang sa pagsasalita kundi sa gawa. Ganoon ang dapat na pagdamay sa ating kapwa, sa ating kapwa Pilipino na kasalukuyang naghihirap,” Lacson said in his speech.

[Empathy can be shown in actions, not just through talk, but through work. That’s how we should commiserate with our fellow man, our fellow Filipino in need.]

The three-term senator’s presidential run is anchored on his long and vast experience as a soldier, a policeman, a legislator and a rehab czar, in the hope of offering the most effective solutions to the country’s myriad problems, which include solving the coronavirus pandemic, the looming huge national debt, poverty and loss of livelihoods, and other issues—built in more than 50 years as a public servant.

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PING LACSON TUNGO SA MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA

PING LACSON TUNGO SA MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA

 

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SEN PING LACSON ANG PINAKAHINOG SA LAHAT NG KANDIDATO

SEN PING LACSON ANG PINAKAHINOG SA LAHAT NG KANDIDATO

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