In NPA's 'Birthplace,' Lacson Pushes Unity vs Insurgency

In NPA's 'Birthplace,' Lacson Pushes Unity vs Insurgency

March 14, 2022 - It is time for the Filipino people to unite and end more than five decades of insurgency that has blighted the Philippines.

Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson made this call on Monday as he visited Isabela province, where the New People's Army (NPA) was born in Jones town in 1969.

"Dapat talaga, the Philippines deserves a better peace and order and prosperity. Dapat magkaisa-isa na tayo para ang kapayapaan at katahimikan mamayani sa ating bansa at tuloy umasenso na tayong lahat (I believe the Philippines deserves a better peace and order and prosperity. We should unite so there will be peace and prosperity in our country and we can live better lives)," Lacson said at the flag-raising ceremony in Cauayan, Isabela.

“Our country needs strong leadership, someone with vision and the ability to implement peace and order,” he added.

Lacson noted that during the five decades of insurgency, more than 2,000 people have been killed while billions of pesos had been lost to the NPAs who collect revolutionary taxes and burn the equipment of businessmen who do not cooperate.

Also, he pointed out President Rodrigo Duterte himself has cited intelligence information indicating the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA and National Democratic Front may have "infiltrated" the campaigns of some camps.

Lacson said the Philippines has already experienced twice the scenario of those identified with the CPP-NPA getting government posts - with the NPA gaining strength each time.

"Napansin namin, ang lalakas ng armas so pag nasa govt ang CPP-NPA lumalakas ang pwersa nila within the govt bureaucracy itself (We noticed that when those in the CPP-NPA join the government, the NPA's weapons become more powerful)," he said, adding the people can no longer allow the CPP-NPA to enter into a "coalition" with the government a third time.

In his speech, Lacson also recalled his stint in Isabela in 1988 as then provincial commander of the Philippine Constabulary. During his stint there, he said he stopped the NPA's practice of conducting checkpoints there, and enforced the Constabulary's checkpoints.

He cited one mission where the NPA ambushed his men, with Lt. Rosauro Toda - a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1986 - among the fatalities. Lacson noted the ambush had been meant for him, had Toda’s reinforcing group not hit the ambush site ahead of the main force which he was leading.

Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, visited Isabela province with his vice presidential bet, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. Sotto, in his speech, noted he had worked for the cityhood of Cauayan.

The call of Lacson is in line with the Lacson-Sotto tandem's platform of giving Filipinos a better life by fixing the ills in government (Aayusin ang gobyerno, aayusin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino), and going after crooks especially in government (Uubusin ang magnanakaw).

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Lacson Laments 'Sports Politics' in Obiena's Exclusion from World Indoor Championships

Lacson Laments 'Sports Politics' in Obiena's Exclusion from World Indoor Championships

March 13, 2022 - An ugly self-inflicted loss, no thanks to "sports politics."

This was how Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson described the exclusion of international pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena from the World Indoor Championships.

"EJ Obiena: a case of missed opportunity because of sports politics. Sayang," Lacson said on his Twitter account Sunday.

Obiena's exclusion stemmed from his non-endorsement by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), with which he has a rift.

"Unacceptable! We just threw away a golden opportunity to showcase our world-class talent - all because we cannot get our acts together," Lacson said.

"I am sure we Filipinos can accept losing in a fair competition. What we cannot accept is being denied the opportunity to compete in the first place," he added.

Lacson likened the plight of Obiena to local homegrown scientists who go abroad and thrive there because they did not get the much-needed support at home.

"We have so many homegrown talents, whether they be in science and technology or sports. But we simply don't maximize their talents and instead allow them to go abroad. When they succeed there, we can only feel regret for not supporting them earlier," he said.

On Saturday, Obiena lamented his non-inclusion in the international meet all because PATAFA did not endorse him. He said he is in "prime physical and mental condition," and is "ready to be the first Philippine HOME-GROWN athlete to compete in the Worlds" - yet ended up being "the only top-ranked vaulter not participating."

Lacson said it is time that Philippine sports authorities draw up a mechanism to make national sports associations like the PATAFA accountable and answerable for failing to develop homegrown talents.

"So much taxpayers' money goes to our sports bodies to do one job: make sure we develop our athletes and give them the opportunity to represent us especially in international competitions. Clearly something went wrong in EJ's case and we Filipinos are sadly paying the price," he said.

"We dropped the ball in EJ's case. The least we can do now is to make sure this does not happen again," he added.

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Lacson: Suspend Fuel Excise Tax Now

Lacson: Suspend Fuel Excise Tax Now

March 13, 2022 - With fuel prices expected to shoot up yet again, threatening to further raise the cost of living, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson called for the immediate suspension of excise taxes on fuel products even on a temporary basis until such time that the international price of oil stabilizes to a manageable level.

Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said this will provide the much-needed breathing space not just to motorists but also to virtually all sectors affected by the upward trend in fuel prices.

But he also stressed that in the meantime, the government must draw up long-term solutions to the crisis, including the use of renewable energy.

"Another round of price hikes in fuel is expected this week and this time, the increases are unprecedented. The Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) reference price for refined petroleum products and other oil price indices have already reached levels never seen before as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Lacson said, adding prices of gasoline and diesel per liter could hit more than P80-90 per liter.

Lacson proposed that a mechanism be put in place, where the excise tax on fuel will be suspended when crude oil prices based on the MOPS reach or exceed $90 to $100 per barrel. The excise tax can be re-imposed when the prices go below these levels.

He pointed out the urgency of the matter as the upward trend in fuel prices will also impact the prices of food and other basic commodities.

"The upward trajectory of fuel prices is expected to continue and the government must do something now to mitigate the impact of international oil prices on motorists, the public transport sector, fisherfolk and farmers who will bear the brunt of this burden if we do not act now," Lacson stressed.

While there may be a loss of revenue for the government when the excise tax is suspended, he said "what matters now is the plight of ordinary Filipinos."

"Government should give the people 'breathing space' so that the economy can recover. This is a temporary measure but it will be welcomed as we are all just trying to get back on our feet," Lacson said.

"Our long-term solutions should be in investing in renewable energy, facilitating the transition to electric vehicles in our transport sector, and exploring for oil, gas and other indigenous energy resources that can supply sustainable energy. This will serve multiple purposes in relation to climate, the environment and sustainable development. This will remove our dependence on imported fuel and will be a buffer against disruptions like war," he added.

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Lacson: Vigilance, Preparedness Needed in North Korea Situation

Lacson: Vigilance, Preparedness Needed in North Korea Situation

March 13, 2022 - Aside from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Philippine government will have to be "vigilant and prepared" over the situation in North Korea, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said over the weekend.

Lacson cited continued reports of recent aggressive behavior from North Korea, including the firing of a suspected ballistic missile days before presidential elections in South Korea.

"We need to watch this carefully, this is very close to us and quite unpredictable," said Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security.

He cited reports over the past weeks where North Korea has tested missiles twice.

While North Korea claimed its tests last Feb. 26 and March 4 were connected to a new reconnaissance satellite program, the United States said analysis indicates it may be testing an ICBM.

A statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command said the "recent series" of ballistic missile launches by the DPRK "violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and the international community."

In response to North Korea's activities, the US Indo-Pacific Command has increased its surveillance and reconnaissance collection in the Yellow Sea, and enhanced readiness among its ballistic missile defense forces in the region.

Lacson said the Philippines thus needs "to be equally vigilant as any flashpoint involving the Republic of Korea and Japan affects thousands of Filipinos in these two countries, aside from military responses from other quarters."

"I hope that it does not come to this and that diplomacy will prevail. However, the reality is that the situation requires vigilance and preparedness on our part," he added.

Last month, Lacson called for similar vigilance and preparedness on the situation in Ukraine. The economic effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine have been felt in the Philippines.

Over the weekend, Lacson also urged the government to be ready for any possible spillover of the Russia-Ukraine crisis to Asia.

"Mabuti rin na naka-ready tayo kesa mabigla tayo (It is better to be prepared than be surprised)," he said in an interview on DZRH radio, referring to the situation in Ukraine.

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'EDSA Hero' Echoes Lacson Warning vs 'Coalition Government'

'EDSA Hero' Echoes Lacson Warning vs 'Coalition Government'

March 10, 2022 - A retired Air Force officer who played a key role in the 1986 EDSA Revolution has echoed the concerns of Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson against a "coalition government" with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Retired Air Force Col. Hector Tarrazona made the warning in a letter to 1Sambayan convenor Antonio Carpio, after seeing "known communists, whose ultimate goal is to overthrow the government" in the coalition.

"While I was very hopeful to see the coalition of different political groups, I was greatly disappointed to see known communists, whose ultimate goal is to overthrow the government, in the coalition," Tarrazona said in his letter to Carpio, after joining a recent Zoom webinar of 1Sambayan.

Tarrazona, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1968 who in 1986 persuaded the 15th Strike Wing to support the EDSA Revolution, said there is no place for communists in the coalition.

His letter belied the claim of ex-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that he saw no communist in the campaign team of Robredo. Trillanes is part of Robredo's senatorial slate.

In his letter, Tarrazona lamented the insurgency, which has gone on for at least 51 years, has killed up to 60,000 soldiers, insurgents and civilians.

"You may have pleased a few thousand communists but you will be losing the support of millions among the AFP and PNP personnel and their families, businessmen, farmers, and other Filipinos who have been victims of their terrorism, atrocities, and revolutionary taxation," he told Carpio in his letter.

"I hope you would correct this big political blunder," he added.

Lacson earlier voiced concern that operatives of the CPP, New People's Army and National Democratic Front may have infiltrated Mrs. Robredo's campaign, citing information from ex-NPA cadre Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz that jibed with information from his intelligence sources.

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LACSON-SOTTO: PANALO SA GIYERA SA KORAPSYON!

 LACSON-SOTTO: PANALO SA GIYERA SA KORAPSYON!

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Lacson: 'Balanced' Minimum Wage Review Needed Amid Fuel Price Hikes

Lacson: 'Balanced' Minimum Wage Review Needed Amid Fuel Price Hikes

March 10, 2022 - A review of minimum wages is timely and necessary to help laborers cope with the surging costs of fuel amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said Thursday.

Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, said one of the most common complaints he and Vice Presidential bet Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III have heard from people during their town hall meetings involved the rising costs of living.

"Napaka-timely ang panawagan ni Sec. Bello na mag-meet ang tripartite wage board para pag-usapan kung kailangan na bang i-adjust ang minimum wage ng ating mga kababayan (It is timely that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III called for a meeting of the tripartite wage boards to discuss possible adjustments to the minimum wages of our workers)," he said in an interview on Bombo Radyo.

He said many workers he and Sotto have met are virtually crying due to the high cost of goods and services, caused by high oil prices and compounded by inflation. Lacson said that while the wealthy can absorb the higher costs of living, ordinary families may not.

Also, Lacson pointed out the need to balance the call of our workers for a higher wage, and the capacity of employers to pay these higher salaries.

"So dapat talaga pag-usapan natin kung dapat i-adjust ang ating minimum wage earners (We have to discuss if there is a need to adjust the minimum wage, and by how much)," he said.

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Ping Lacson: Interview on Bombo Radyo Network News | March 10, 2022

Ping Lacson: Interview on Bombo Radyo Network News | March 10, 2022

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Lacson: Ex-NPA's Info on Campaign 'Infiltration' Really Worrisome

Lacson: Ex-NPA's Info on Campaign 'Infiltration' Really Worrisome 

March 10, 2022 - Really worrisome. This was how Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson described the information from a former New People's Army (NPA) cadre indicating that operatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)'s legal fronts may have "infiltrated" the campaign of Vice President Ma. Leonor "Leni" Robredo.

Lacson said the pieces of information disclosed by ex-NPA cadre Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz appeared to jibe with those provided by his own intelligence sources.

"Now, this is really worrisome - my intel sources being validated by Ka Eric, himself a top-ranking NPA surrenderor. Bad if their campaign is infiltrated. Worse if they are a willing partner. I’m more concerned about those who voluntarily joined their rallies but were not aware," Lacson said in a post on his Twitter account late Wednesday.

He was referring to information cited by Celiz indicating that members of the CPP and its supposed legal fronts were at the rally of Mrs. Robredo in Cavite last March 4.

Celiz, in a video posted on social media, cited a text message from a former colleague in the CPP-NPA who is now based in Cavite, indicating members of the CPP's reported legal fronts were brought in from parts of Cavite and even Rizal province. Also, Celiz said there was a budget of P500 per head, of which P200 was spent for transportation and food.

During a hearing on red-tagging which Lacson presided over in November 2020, Celiz said CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison had named several groups as his group's legal "fronts," which have infiltrated several sectors. Celiz also said the legal fronts lay the ground for recruiting members to the NPA.

With the information cited by Celiz, Lacson reiterated his warning to those concerned to watch out against being part of a possible coalition government with the CPP, NPA and NDF.

"If those in the campaign were not aware of this, they should consider themselves warned and take appropriate action. If they are a willing partner, they should consider the consequences of their actions - we simply cannot afford to have a coalition government with a movement whose sole objective is to seize power," Lacson noted.

"Since 1969, our country has suffered from the longest-running insurgency in the world which has caused more than 2,000 deaths and billions of pesos in revolutionary taxes paid to the CPP/NPA, not to mention the destruction of properties of those who refused to 'cooperate.' Insurgency, like corruption, must end if we want peace and prosperity," he added.

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Lacson: No Room for Lapses, Corruption in Distribution of Increased Fuel Subsidies

 Lacson: No Room for Lapses, Corruption in Distribution of Increased Fuel Subsidies

March 9, 2022 - There should be no room for corruption or administrative lapses in the distribution of fuel subsidies to sectors affected by the continued rise in oil prices, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said Wednesday.

Lacson said authorities should learn from the past where aid from the Bayanihan funds failed to reach their intended beneficiaries, especially the public utility drivers.

"Bukod sa corruption issue, may administrative issue ng pag-distribute. Baka mamaya sabihin natin, patay na ang kabayo bago dumating ang ayuda (Aside from the issue of possible corruption, there is the administrative issue of distributing the funds. We cannot afford a case of the aid coming too late, when the beneficiaries may have already died)," he said in an interview on DZRH radio.

He recalled that while Congress passed the Bayanihan 2 to help the transport sector cope with the effects of the pandemic, the Commission on Audit later found that only one percent of the fund reached the intended recipients. "Kaya nagmamalimos ang driver (That's why we see drivers begging in the streets)," he said.

Otherwise, Lacson said doubling fuel subsidies for the transport sector and fuel discount vouchers for the agriculture sector to help them cope with the spiraling prices of oil is the right thing to do.

"Due to the spiraling prices of oil in the world market, doubling the fuel subsidies and vouchers is the right thing to do as allowed under a special provision in the 2022 General Appropriations Act in order to contain inflation which is projected to hit 3.7 percent in 2022," he said.

Fuel prices have shot up in recent weeks and the situation is expected to worsen due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Cabinet's economic development cluster is proposing to increase the fuel subsidy for public transport drivers from P2.5 billion to P5 billion; and the budget for fuel discount vouchers for farmers and fisherfolk from P500 million to P1.1 billion.

On the other hand, Lacson reiterated he would attend a special session of Congress if called by President Rodrigo Duterte, to discuss the possible declaration of a state of economic emergency.

"Mas okay sa akin yan para may flexibility ang gobyerno na kung saan talagang parusa eh (It is okay with me so government will have the needed flexibility to deal with this scourge of fuel price hikes)," he said.

Lacson - who is running for President under Partido Reporma - and his vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III are running on a platform of fixing the government's ills (Aayusin ang gobyerno, aayusin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino) and going after thieves especially those in government (Uubusin ang magnanakaw).

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Lacson-Sotto tandem not affected on Sara Duterte’s ban on motorcades

 Lacson-Sotto tandem not affected on 

Sara Duterte’s ban on motorcades

MANILA, Philippines — Vice presidential candidate Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Tuesday said they are not affected by Davao mayor and fellow aspirant Sara Duterte-Carpio’s order to ban motorcades in her city.

When asked if he and his running mate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson will be affected by Duterte-Carpio’s order, Sotto said in an ambush interview in Quezon City: “Not at all.”

“Wala namang kaming balak mag-motorcade eh, wala kaming balak mag-motorcade kahit saan,” Sotto pointed out.

(We don’t have plans to conduct a motorcade, we don’t plan to have a motorcade anywhere.)

Sotto previously said that they opt not to conduct motorcades since they want to reach out and talk to the public.

Duterte-Carpio, through an executive order released on Monday, prohibited all kinds of political caravans and motorcades in Davao City, citing rising fuel prices.

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