Tag: Panfilo Lacson

Lacson: Arroyo as Prime Minister? Think twice

(Eagle News)–Those who plan to install Pampanga Rep. and now-Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the country’s first prime minister should “think twice,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Monday, July 24. In a statement, Lacson, an opposition senator who left the country  during Arroyo’s term as president after  charges were filed against him in connection with the killings of publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver in 2000, said this was because “the Senate, both majority and minority have […]

Lacson says scenes leading to Arroyo’s election as Speaker “awkward, low, ugly, disgraceful”

(Eagle News) — “Awkward, low, ugly, disgraceful.” This was how Senator Panfilo Lacson described the scenes leading to the official election of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday, July 23. In a short Tweet on Tuesday, July 24, Lacson noted that the mace, which symbolizes the authority of the Lower Chamber, was “in a maze at the Batasan.” “It didn’t know whose authority to symbolize at […]

Lacson bats for localized peace talks with Communist rebels; says they were “most practical” way to talk peace

(Eagle News) — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, July 11, said it would be “more practical” to hold “localized peace talks” with the Communist rebels. Lacson made the comment after the Palace said the government was pushing for the same instead. Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said peace talks should be held in the Philippines and not in another country, a statement Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison took offense at. The […]

Lacson: Halili told me ex-general whom he had a dispute with planned to oppose him in local polls

(Eagle News)–Senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, July 6, said a former general who had a dispute with the slain Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili had  plans of running as  chief executive of that city. In a radio interview, Lacson said this was revealed to him by Halili himself before he was killed on Monday, July 2. “Natatandaan ko ikinuwento niya actually medyo may pag-aalala siya nun kasi alam niyang may kapasidad ang dating heneral,” Lacson […]

Lacson supports call for probe into PNP’s Mahindra patrol jeeps purchase; wants Mar Roxas summoned

By Meanne Corvera Eagle News Service Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday, July 5, expressed support for Senator Grace Poe’s call for a probe into the Philippine National Police’s purchase of Mahindra police patrol jeeps worth P1.8 billion in 2015, saying all officials involved, including then-Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, should be summoned. In a press conference, Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said he would call for a hearing if the resolution […]

Lacson bats for “stricter firearms control measures” following Tanauan mayor killing

(Eagle News) — The Philippine National Police should consider stricter firearms control measures. This is according to Senator Panfilo Lacson, who issued the statement following the killing of Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili on Monday, July 2. “The killing of priests, prosecutors, and former and incumbent local officials in broad daylight and in full view of the public may be suggestive of the impunity and brazenness of those responsible for such acts,” he said. Senate President […]

Lacson: Authorities “duty-bound” to implement law vs illegal gambling

(Eagle News)–Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday, June 29, said the police were “duty-bound” to enforce the law against illegal gambling, including jueteng. Lacson made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte said he would have to find another source of livelihood for people if there was a crackdown on jueteng now. But according to Lacson, the President may have meant “he wanted to prioritize illegal drugs over illegal gambling, if there is compelling reason.” “There can […]

Proposed drug testing of Grade 4 students draws mixed reactions from senators

By Meanne Corvera Eagle News Service The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s proposal to conduct mandatory drug testings for teachers and Grade 4 students and up has drawn mixed reactions from senators. For Senator Panfilo Lacson, apart from the fact that the drug testing would help “the government’s prioritized efforts to curb drug addiction and trade, there is sufficient legal basis and jurisprudence in the conduct of random drug testing among junior and high school students.” […]

Like Duterte, Lacson says peace talks between Communists, gov’t should be held in PHL

(Eagle News) — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday, June 21, threw his support behind President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to hold peace talks with the Communist rebels in the Philippines instead. “To me, it makes a lot of sense. I have actually been asking myself for the longest time why we need a third country facilitator and venue to talk peace with our fellow Filipinos,” Lacson said. According to Lacson, “for one, it entails more expenses.” […]

Lacson questions landing of Chinese military plane in PHL

Palace says landing of Ilyushin II 76 in Davao was cleared (Eagle News) — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday, June 11, questioned the landing of a Chinese military aircraft in Davao City, saying “strict internationally accepted standard protocols” must be complied with beforehand. “For one, a request through proper diplomatic channels is made beforehand, and the same is forwarded to the defense department who will either approve or reject such request,” Lacson said. According to the senator,”if […]

Lacson: Former SAF officials implicated in SAF fund mess only “forced” to return P37 million

(Eagle News) — For Senator Panfilo Lacson, the former Special Action Force officials who were implicated in the SAF fund mess were only “forced” to return the P37 million of the full amount. “Kung walang threat na magfifile sa Ombudsman, would they even think of returning or distributing? Mukhang hindi,” Lacson said in an interview with reporters on Tuesday, May 22, the same day his panel held a hearing on the controversy. Lacson noted that […]

Lacson stands by decision not to sign draft report recommending filing of raps vs Aquino, others over Dengvaxia mess

(Eagle News) –Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday, April 16, stood by his decision not to sign the blue ribbon committee draft report that recommended the filing of charges against Former President Benigno Aquino III and others over the Dengvaxia mess. This was after Senator Richard Gordon, the panel chair, cited Lacson’s alleged ties with Aquino when asked to comment on Lacson’s opposition to the draft that also recommended the filing of charges against former Health […]