‘Poblacion girl’ case: Make her ‘connections’ liable as well, says Lacson

‘Poblacion girl’ case: Make her ‘connections’ liable as well, says Lacson

MANILA, Philippines—Like the quarantine violator now known as “Poblacion girl,” her “connections” must be held liable too,  Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday.

“While the filing of charges for violation of RA 11332 is one positive step, there is a second step that is equally important — make her “connections” liable,” Lacson  said in a Twitter post on Wednesday.

“NAGPABAYA O NAGPABAYAD (whether they became negligent or accepted a bribe) does not make much difference. The PALAKASAN (patronage) system must stop,” the presidential aspirant added.

A complaint has already been filed  before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office  against the quarantine  violator and eight others, including her parents, for violations of Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

After arriving from the United States on Dec. 22 , the violator reportedly partied in a bar in Poblacion, Makati when she was supposed to be in a quarantine hotel. She later tested positive for COVID-19, and infected several others in the party venue.

“Hindi siya nag-quarantine…Itong taong ito, pagkadating niya (sa Pilipinas), the next day, umikot na ng Poblacion (a barangay — that is, a village — in Makati City which is also a popular tourism hub). Hindi lang ‘yon, nagyabang pa na may koneksyon daw siya,”  Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was earlier quoted as saying.

(She did not go into quarantine…This person, when she returned, the next day, went around Poblacion. Not only that, she even boasted to her companions that she has connections.)

In light of these continued quarantine breaches, Senator Nancy Binay pushed for stiffer penalties against those who would be found deliberately violating  protocols.

“Increasingly, the need to ensure compliance is becoming more urgent, Binay said in a statement. “Mukhang hindi na sapat ang internal policing dahil patuloy pa rin ang quarantine violations na nababalita na mula pa sa simula.”

(It seems that the internal policing is not enough since there have been reports of quarantine violations.)

She also reiterated her call for quarantine marshals, which she thinks is a more “holistic approach” than tapping policemen to man quarantine facilities.

According to her, “police deployment would not necessarily weed out the corruption that is at the heart of the issue.”

“Corruption issue naman ito at hindi issue ng order,” she said. “What we need is a system that would weed out corruption. Hindi dapat band-aid solution ang mga pulis na itatapal natin sa bawat problema ng bansa.”

“This is, again, a public health issue, and we need public health experts. At best, what we need is a hybrid approach that would respond to the public safety and law enforcement aspects. Pero hindi lang dapat pulis,” the senator stressed.

Binay then proposed  tapping barangay watchmen, assisted by a health officer, as marshals with the  help of the Inter-Agency Task Force and Department of Tourism which will brief and train them.

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Senate readies for No-el scenario after PDP-Laban bid to reopen COC filing — Lacson, Sotto

Senate readies for No-el scenario after PDP-Laban bid to reopen COC filing — Lacson, Sotto

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is ready to elect a new leader who will serve as acting president should there be an attempt to delay the May 2022 polls and extend President Rodrigo  Duterte’s term. Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed this possible scenario after Duterte’s faction in the PDP- Laban sought to reopen the filing of certificates of candidacy (CoCs).

“I would not like to think that the intention of the petition to reopen the filing of the COCs filed by the PDP-Laban is to delay the election on May 9, 2022 — and pave the way for the extension of the term of office of the President beyond June 30, 2022. This is something the 1987 Constitution clearly forbids,” Lacson said in a  statement on Monday.

“As I have suggested earlier to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and some of my colleagues, the Senate must not allow this to happen,” he added.

To preserve the presidential line of succession as provided for under Article  VII Sec. 7 of the 1987 Constitution, Lacson said a new Senate President would be elected before Congress adjourns its sessions in June.

The new Senate President, whose term will expire on June 30, 2025, should act as President “until a new President or Vice President shall have been chosen and qualified,” the senator explained.

According to Lacson, most of his colleagues have already agreed to his proposal.

“Let me clarify and emphasize that I am not accusing the administration of any malevolent attempt in this possible scenario. What I’m only saying is that the Senate will always be the bulwark of our democracy, and I take pride in playing a major role in it,” he added.

Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, confirmed having discussions on a possible delay of this year’s elections.

“Yes we have discussed that, it’s our idea of how to resolve the problem of vacancy in the leadership. We were ten steps ahead,” Sotto said in a text message.

“It’s resolving a constitutional problem if everyone’s term ends on June 30 and with no newly elected officials,” he added.

If elections are postponed, Sotto said, he would step down in the last week of May so a new Senate President is elected who will serve as acting president until elections are held.

“They cannot replace him or her by July 1st because they will only have 12 votes,” the Senate leader  said.

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On the PDP-Laban Petition to Reopen the COC Filing Period

On the PDP-Laban Petition to Reopen the COC Filing Period

January 3, 2022-I would not like to think that the intention of the petition to reopen the filing of the COCs filed by the PDP-Laban is to delay the election on May 9, 2022 - and pave the way for the extension of the term of office of the President beyond June 30, 2022. This is something the 1987 Constitution clearly forbids.

As I have suggested earlier to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and some of my colleagues, the Senate must not allow this to happen. We can preserve the presidential line of succession as provided under Art. VII Sec. 7 of the 1987 Constitution. How?

SP Sotto and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco are both stepping down along with the President and Vice President on June 30. If such a scenario becomes imminent, before Congress adjourns, we will elect a new Senate President whose term expires on June 30, 2025. He/she shall act as President until a new President or Vice President shall have been chosen and qualified.

Most of my colleagues have already agreed to this proposal, since democracy and the fundamental law of the land could be at risk.

Let me clarify and emphasize that I am not accusing the administration of any malevolent attempt in this possible scenario. What I’m only saying is that the Senate will always be the bulwark of our democracy, and I take pride in playing a major role in it.

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Lacson: Proactive Leadership, Cooperation Needed to Keep New Covid Wave from Robbing Us of Health, Economy

Lacson: Proactive Leadership, Cooperation Needed to Keep New Covid Wave from Robbing Us of Health, Economy

January 2, 2022 - Proactive leadership, cooperation from the public and a science-based approach. These are the three main things needed to prevent the new wave of Covid infections from robbing us of our health and economic recovery, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said.

Lacson reminded authorities and fellow Filipinos to "cooperate with science" to prevent another major significant wave of this lingering public health crisis, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) raised the alert level in Metro Manila to "3" following a surge in infections.

On Sunday, Lacson cited the proactive move of Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla to reactivate the provincial Center for Disease Control, and consulting the mayors to upgrade the alert level as a response to an upsurge in Covid cases.

"Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla leads the way. He is reactivating the provincial Center for Disease Control and consulting the mayors to upgrade the alert level. An upsurge from 5 to 100 CoViD cases per day needs proactive leadership and action. He has both," Lacson, a proud Caviteño, said on his Twitter account.

He also reiterated that while authorities should adopt a data-driven approach in dealing with the pandemic, the public should also do their part by observing basic health protocols.

"Just like that, we’re back to 30% indoor and 50% outdoor. Cooperation with science is key," Lacson noted.

Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, earlier called on public health and law enforcement authorities to press charges against people who were deliberately violating mandatory quarantine protocols like the woman who went viral - literally and virtually - for escaping from her hotel room to party in a public bar.

More importantly, he said steps must be taken to prevent a repeat of the violation that potentially endangered the health of other people.

"Just when we thought we were ready to move on and not worry about CoViD, here we are again, bothered by impending health and economic woes, when we know there are hardly any trade-offs between the two. Among others, that girl who skipped quarantine and partied must be prosecuted," he said.

Lacson has made it clear that fixing the country’s healthcare system to deal with the continuing COVID-19 crisis and all its adverse impact across many sectors and industries remains one of his topmost priorities if he is voted into office come the 2022 May elections.

The three-term senator vowed to institute future-proof economic strategies to address this problem by encouraging public trust on safe and effective vaccines, conducting frequent mass diagnostic testing for free, and easing state-sanctioned lockdowns, among other data-driven solutions.

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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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