Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has sought an investigation into allegations that several parcels of land exempted from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program are still subjected to coverage and titled to the Republic.
In Senate Resolution 936, Lacson sought an investigation by the Senate Committee on Agrarian Reform into the procedure used by the Department of Agrarian Reform to acquire and distribute lands for the CARP.
"It appears that unscrupulous individuals with spurious documents were able to title lands belonging to private individuals with the cooperation of some officials of DAR and the Register of Deeds despite failure to conform with the procedures mandated by law," he said.
He added there is a need to look into this matter "to prevent the DAR from short-circuiting the process to the detriment of the owners of lands," and to the prejudice of farmer beneficiaries whose ownership of the land will be disputed.
Lacson pointed out the agrarian reform program is founded on the right of landless farmers and farm workers to own directly or collectively the lands they till or to receive a share of the harvest thereof.
"However, its implementation is being marred with numerous problems resulting in a slow pace of the distribution of the lands to the farmer beneficiaries," he noted.
Also, Lacson cited reports that some private lands were titled to the Republic of the Philippines and transferred to CARP beneficiaries without following procedures.
He cited one case where 211,500 square meters of private land in Sibulan town in Negros Oriental was titled to the Republic of the Philippines under TCT No. T-35306 and subsequently transferred to several persons under Transfer Certificate of Title No. 702.
This was despite the fact that the registered owners were not notified of the hearings undertaken by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO).
Neither were they furnished copies of the Investigative Report of said MARO regarding the said property, Lacson said.
"It also appeared that DAR overlooked the fact that said property lies within a geothermal reservation per Proclamation No. 1413 issued by President Marcos and sustained by Executive Order No. 223 of President Corazon Aquino which exempts it from the coverage of CARL," he said.
Because of this, he said the private owners of the land were deprived of their ownership and possession of their property through a "surreptitious and highly questionable proceeding" undertaken by the DAR's Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer.
o0o
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Lacson Wants Firearms Restricted to Vaults, for Self-Defense
In the wake of recent heinous crimes involving firearms, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson on Monday sought to do away with the issuance of a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) for civilians.
Lacson said that while civilians may be allowed to possess firearms, the firearms should be kept in a vault inside the owners' homes when left unattended.
"Firearms are for self-defense and protection of properties from intruders, and not for offensive action by the possessor," he said.
In past weeks, several people were killed in incidents that involved the indiscriminate use of a firearm.
A seven-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a stray bullet during the New Year revelry, while at least seven were gunned down when a man went on a shooting spree in Kawit, Cavite last weekend.
On the other hand, Lacson said deterring civilians from carrying firearms outside their homes may finally reverse the perception that anyone with a firearm tucked in his waist must be a police or law enforcement officer or at least one with a PTCFOR.
Instead, anyone with a firearm tucked in his waist would be presumed as a "bad element without doubt and therefore must be reported to the authorities."
"When this happens, a lot of lives can be saved and a big positive impact on the country's peace and order will be felt by the citizenry," he said.
Lacson also pointed out he had been heading in this policy direction when he headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001.
At the time, he said he had limited the issuance of PTCFORs, imposing very strict guidelines for them.
o0o
Lacson said that while civilians may be allowed to possess firearms, the firearms should be kept in a vault inside the owners' homes when left unattended.
"Firearms are for self-defense and protection of properties from intruders, and not for offensive action by the possessor," he said.
In past weeks, several people were killed in incidents that involved the indiscriminate use of a firearm.
A seven-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a stray bullet during the New Year revelry, while at least seven were gunned down when a man went on a shooting spree in Kawit, Cavite last weekend.
On the other hand, Lacson said deterring civilians from carrying firearms outside their homes may finally reverse the perception that anyone with a firearm tucked in his waist must be a police or law enforcement officer or at least one with a PTCFOR.
Instead, anyone with a firearm tucked in his waist would be presumed as a "bad element without doubt and therefore must be reported to the authorities."
"When this happens, a lot of lives can be saved and a big positive impact on the country's peace and order will be felt by the citizenry," he said.
Lacson also pointed out he had been heading in this policy direction when he headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001.
At the time, he said he had limited the issuance of PTCFORs, imposing very strict guidelines for them.
o0o
Monday, August 20, 2012
Statement on the Passing of DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo
A sad day for Filipinos. I will always remember and be thankful to Sec. Jesse Robredo for personally albeit quietly helping me during my difficult time while in hiding.
Not known to all, he tried his level best to convince DOJ Sec. de Lima to comply with the Court of Appeals decision reversing the Manila Regional Trial Court's probable cause ruling against me.
He was so real and natural as a person in dealing with people, close friends or not.
o0o
Not known to all, he tried his level best to convince DOJ Sec. de Lima to comply with the Court of Appeals decision reversing the Manila Regional Trial Court's probable cause ruling against me.
He was so real and natural as a person in dealing with people, close friends or not.
o0o
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Lacson to PNP: 24/7 Focus the Only Formula to Capturing High-Profile Fugitives
Only a 24/7 focus will ensure success for the Philippine National Police in capturing seven high-profile fugitives who continue to elude capture.
This was the advice of Senator and former PNP chief Panfilo M. Lacson, who on Friday said Malacañang's offer of reward money should be a challenge for them.
"My advice to the PNP is simple and practical - eat their targets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including weekends and holidays. Then and only then I can be pretty sure they will succeed in arresting them," said Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.
He also said that while chasing criminals and fugitives is the basic duty of law enforcement, the increase in reward for information leading to their capture must be a challenge for them to get their quarry.
But he also pointed out the PNP should take its cue from its commander-in-chief President Benigno Aquino III, who indicated he is displeased with the lack of progress in the hunt for the seven fugitives.
"Any sensible enforcer must get PNoy's message loud and clear: They are sitting on their butts doing nothing. More so, he used the word 'displeased' when what he actually meant was 'pissed,'" Lacson said.
On Thursday, Malacañang announced an increase in the reward money for seven fugitives, including:
- Former Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., linked to the disappearance of two activists in 2006, with a reward of P2 million.
- Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and brother Mario Reyes, who were charged for the murder of environmentalist-broadcaster Gerry Ortega in 2011. Each has a P2-million reward for information leading to his capture.
- Former Dinagat Islands Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr., who was found guilty for the murder of his wife. A P2-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
- Businessman Delfin Lee, president of Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings Corp., who is accused of defrauding government of billions of pesos in housing loans. A P2-million reward is offered for his capture.
- Benito Tiamzon, leader of what is believed to be the hardline faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army. His faction was linked to violent incidents by the NPA against civilian targets. A P5.6-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
- Jorge Madlos, a CPP-NPA personality linked to high-profile attacks on civilian targets and economic projects in Mindanao. A P5.6-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said Mr. Aquino was "displeased with the lack of progress in arresting high-profile fugitives."
o0o
This was the advice of Senator and former PNP chief Panfilo M. Lacson, who on Friday said Malacañang's offer of reward money should be a challenge for them.
"My advice to the PNP is simple and practical - eat their targets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including weekends and holidays. Then and only then I can be pretty sure they will succeed in arresting them," said Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.
He also said that while chasing criminals and fugitives is the basic duty of law enforcement, the increase in reward for information leading to their capture must be a challenge for them to get their quarry.
But he also pointed out the PNP should take its cue from its commander-in-chief President Benigno Aquino III, who indicated he is displeased with the lack of progress in the hunt for the seven fugitives.
"Any sensible enforcer must get PNoy's message loud and clear: They are sitting on their butts doing nothing. More so, he used the word 'displeased' when what he actually meant was 'pissed,'" Lacson said.
On Thursday, Malacañang announced an increase in the reward money for seven fugitives, including:
- Former Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., linked to the disappearance of two activists in 2006, with a reward of P2 million.
- Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and brother Mario Reyes, who were charged for the murder of environmentalist-broadcaster Gerry Ortega in 2011. Each has a P2-million reward for information leading to his capture.
- Former Dinagat Islands Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr., who was found guilty for the murder of his wife. A P2-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
- Businessman Delfin Lee, president of Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings Corp., who is accused of defrauding government of billions of pesos in housing loans. A P2-million reward is offered for his capture.
- Benito Tiamzon, leader of what is believed to be the hardline faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army. His faction was linked to violent incidents by the NPA against civilian targets. A P5.6-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
- Jorge Madlos, a CPP-NPA personality linked to high-profile attacks on civilian targets and economic projects in Mindanao. A P5.6-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said Mr. Aquino was "displeased with the lack of progress in arresting high-profile fugitives."
o0o
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
On the granting of bail for former President Gloria Arroyo
While it is bad enough that GMA has been granted temporary liberty, the worse implication is that it posits the existence of a weak electoral sabotage case against her by the joint DOJ-Comelec panel.
One obvious lesson learned from the experience is, we cannot build up a strong case through press releases and media interviews.
Rather, it takes hard work and the gift of skill and well-rounded knowledge of law, not to mention the rules of court and proper legal procedures to accomplish the same.
*****
One obvious lesson learned from the experience is, we cannot build up a strong case through press releases and media interviews.
Rather, it takes hard work and the gift of skill and well-rounded knowledge of law, not to mention the rules of court and proper legal procedures to accomplish the same.
*****
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Vote and Explanation Re Chief Justice Corona's Impeachment Trial
When a witness takes the stand, he is first to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That makes half-truths no better than lies.
I have always been an investigator all my public service life. Modesty aside, I have the uncommon ability to determine if a person is telling the truth or not.
An error in judgment has no place in this trial because it is final and irreversible. Equally important to me is the testimony of the respondent, particularly in this case, because the exalted position of the highest magistrate of the land must shut its door to anyone who desecrates the solemn oath that engulfs a testimony in any judicial proceeding.
Over the weekend I did my homework and discernment. Let me share it with you.
Chief Justice Renato Corona had at one point $3,977,790 and 87 cents. At a given time he had P91,280,499 and 22 centavos. If you ask me, so, what is the difference between $3.9 million and $2.4 million, between P91 million and P80.7 million? My answer is: a lot of money.
Chief Justice Renato Corona used to work as a senior officer of the tax and corporate counseling group of the tax division of a prominent accounting firm, Sycip Gorres and Velayo and Company. He also taught commercial law, taxation and corporate law at the Ateneo de Manila University for 17 years. I find it hard to believe his testimony that he does not understand accounting.
Chief Justice Corona testified under oath he invested in currencies and not in properties in the late 1960s, mindful of the Basa-Guidote family squabble over some real estate properties left by their deceased parents.
The fact is, the family feud started in 1989. One cannot simply learn from the lessons of the future, even if the standards of moral fitness for such a lofty position in government were lowered, an acquittal may still be difficult to justify.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I therefore find the respondent guilty as charged under Article 2 of the Articles of Impeachment.
*****
I have always been an investigator all my public service life. Modesty aside, I have the uncommon ability to determine if a person is telling the truth or not.
An error in judgment has no place in this trial because it is final and irreversible. Equally important to me is the testimony of the respondent, particularly in this case, because the exalted position of the highest magistrate of the land must shut its door to anyone who desecrates the solemn oath that engulfs a testimony in any judicial proceeding.
Over the weekend I did my homework and discernment. Let me share it with you.
Chief Justice Renato Corona had at one point $3,977,790 and 87 cents. At a given time he had P91,280,499 and 22 centavos. If you ask me, so, what is the difference between $3.9 million and $2.4 million, between P91 million and P80.7 million? My answer is: a lot of money.
Chief Justice Renato Corona used to work as a senior officer of the tax and corporate counseling group of the tax division of a prominent accounting firm, Sycip Gorres and Velayo and Company. He also taught commercial law, taxation and corporate law at the Ateneo de Manila University for 17 years. I find it hard to believe his testimony that he does not understand accounting.
Chief Justice Corona testified under oath he invested in currencies and not in properties in the late 1960s, mindful of the Basa-Guidote family squabble over some real estate properties left by their deceased parents.
The fact is, the family feud started in 1989. One cannot simply learn from the lessons of the future, even if the standards of moral fitness for such a lofty position in government were lowered, an acquittal may still be difficult to justify.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I therefore find the respondent guilty as charged under Article 2 of the Articles of Impeachment.
*****
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sponsorship Speech on SB 3164 (An Act Amending RA 7898 establishing the AFP Modernization Program)
Hon. Panfilo M. Lacson
Chairman, Committee on National Defense and Security
May 15, 2012
I am of course honored to sponsor this bill in the presence of the most probable incoming commander-in-chief, Vice President Jejomar Binay.
The first AFP modernization program started Dec. 19, 1996 with the approval of joint resolution 28. What was then envisioned as a modernization program turned out to be only a capability upgrade for the AFP. But even at this level, the program still fell short of its target. The basic requirements of move, shoot and communicate of the AFP are substandard and outdated, if not totally lacking. How can our brave soldiers defend our people if they do not have the right equipment to fight off the enemy in the first place?
Let me clarify distinguished colleagues, that when I say right equipment, I am referring to the most basic needs of a soldier, uniform, a strong helmet, a sturdy pair of combat boots, a reliable communication device, a sufficient amount of ammunition, and a dependable firearm that will not fail him in battle.
This representation acknowledges the fact that the implementation of the old program is far from ideal. The problems and setbacks encountered by the AFP caused serious delays in our modernization efforts. In the course of our committee hearings, we were able to identify the following as factors that contributed to the dismal performance of the old program.
First is the constant change in the priority list. It appears that in a span of 15 years, the project list as contained in Joint Resolution 28 had been changed 11 times. In fact, there were instances when the list was changed twice in a single year.
Second is the very tedious procurement system being followed under this program. Said process contains a staggering 29 stages that are not only complex but are also redundant.
Third is the lack of technical expertise in the procurement process, particularly in providing for the specifications of the equipment to be procured. The failure to provide correct and complete specifications results in long delays even for the procurement of simple items such as camouflage uniforms.
Fourth are the legal restrictions imposed by the old law such as the need of the approval of Congress before the AFP can even lease out their stagnant properties. This provision actually deprives the military from utilizing its own assets as potential sources of income.
Mr. President, your committee believes SB 3164 will provide the solution to the abovementioned problems. The revised modernization program takes into account the pitfalls of the previous model and incorporates provisions that will ensure a more efficient and cost-effective implementation of the program.
Under this proposed measure, the AFP modernization program planning and procurement shall be conducted in accordance with the Defense System of Management or DSOM, which is defined as a strategy-driven, capability-based, multi-year planning and execution process. The DND is presenting DSOM as a possible solution to the setbacks encountered by the previous program.
Under DSOM the different aspects and stages involved in the modernization program shall be treated as one integrated and holistic process, starting from the assessment, planning and financial management aspect, down to the procurement and contracting stages.
The DND believes that with DSOM in place, the problem of constant changes in the priority list will now be avoided. Moreover DSOM also streamlines the procurement process by introducing the defense acquisition system, which only involves 2 assessment levels plus the actual procurement and contracting stage. This system will ensure that only material or system solutions that best address the identified capability gaps will be procured while taking into account cost-effectiveness considerations.
SB 3164 also introduces changes in the provision regarding the AFP modernization act trust fund. One fundamental change is that the fund can now be used to cover all necessary expenses to implement the procurement of equipment such as expenses for pre-selection and post-qualification stages. According to the military the lack of funds to pay for these expenses also hinders the entire procurement process. With respect to sources of the trust fund, some of the most significant amendments are:
First, the approval of Congress is no longer required in the lease or joint development of military reservations, in the same way may be accomplished with the consent of the president.
Second, only in the sale of military reservations is the approval of Congress necessary.
Third, proceeds from PPP projects entered into by either the DND or AFP will also form part of the said trust fund.
The creation of a congressional oversight committee is also proposed under SB 3164. The main purpose of having this oversight committee is to give Congress the needed muscle to safeguard the public funds allocated in the program and to ensure this new modernization program will be implemented as envisioned under this proposed measure.
Although it is true the previous modernization program has failed to accomplish its goal, this does not mean we should abandon our efforts to uplift the status of the AFP. We cannot escape the truth that every country needs a strong and reliable military force. For how can we guarantee a bright future if we cannot guarantee a safe protected and free environment for them?
As we all fervently hope that the situation in the Scarborough Shoal will not escalate to alarming levels, this matter only serves to (elucidate?) the importance of having a reliable military force. When we do not discount the importance of having allies, it is undeniable that our country must have a reliable military force that can readily protect and defend our territory, our natural resources, and most importantly our people.
How can our military, particularly our naval force, protect our rights if they only have a BFAR vessel MCS-3008, and the BRP EDSA-2, a PCG SARV to represent our country’s claim in the said area, as against the 14 Chinese ships in Panatag Shoal, 4 big maritime ships and 10 fishing boats? Indeed, this maritime standoff with China only brings to fore the urgency of immediately enacting his vital piece of legislation.
With the new modernization program in place, our AFP will have the opportunity to upgrade, improve and elevate its status to a competitive level. The modernization of our AFP must be made a priority of this administration.
This representation is not saying it should be prioritized over and above other concerns such as education or public health. But the current status of our armed forces is truly pitiful, and the ones who suffer greatly are the brave soldiers defending our country and our people in the field.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the simple truth is that when we help our soldiers we are not only helping ourselves but also ensuring a safe and protected future for our children.
In closing, let me state boldly here and now, that during this critical time in our modern history as a nation, the AFP modernization program is the lifeline of our AFP. And I can be equally bold in saying the AFP is the lifeline of our beloved country. Thank you very much.
*****
Chairman, Committee on National Defense and Security
May 15, 2012
I am of course honored to sponsor this bill in the presence of the most probable incoming commander-in-chief, Vice President Jejomar Binay.
The first AFP modernization program started Dec. 19, 1996 with the approval of joint resolution 28. What was then envisioned as a modernization program turned out to be only a capability upgrade for the AFP. But even at this level, the program still fell short of its target. The basic requirements of move, shoot and communicate of the AFP are substandard and outdated, if not totally lacking. How can our brave soldiers defend our people if they do not have the right equipment to fight off the enemy in the first place?
Let me clarify distinguished colleagues, that when I say right equipment, I am referring to the most basic needs of a soldier, uniform, a strong helmet, a sturdy pair of combat boots, a reliable communication device, a sufficient amount of ammunition, and a dependable firearm that will not fail him in battle.
This representation acknowledges the fact that the implementation of the old program is far from ideal. The problems and setbacks encountered by the AFP caused serious delays in our modernization efforts. In the course of our committee hearings, we were able to identify the following as factors that contributed to the dismal performance of the old program.
First is the constant change in the priority list. It appears that in a span of 15 years, the project list as contained in Joint Resolution 28 had been changed 11 times. In fact, there were instances when the list was changed twice in a single year.
Second is the very tedious procurement system being followed under this program. Said process contains a staggering 29 stages that are not only complex but are also redundant.
Third is the lack of technical expertise in the procurement process, particularly in providing for the specifications of the equipment to be procured. The failure to provide correct and complete specifications results in long delays even for the procurement of simple items such as camouflage uniforms.
Fourth are the legal restrictions imposed by the old law such as the need of the approval of Congress before the AFP can even lease out their stagnant properties. This provision actually deprives the military from utilizing its own assets as potential sources of income.
Mr. President, your committee believes SB 3164 will provide the solution to the abovementioned problems. The revised modernization program takes into account the pitfalls of the previous model and incorporates provisions that will ensure a more efficient and cost-effective implementation of the program.
Under this proposed measure, the AFP modernization program planning and procurement shall be conducted in accordance with the Defense System of Management or DSOM, which is defined as a strategy-driven, capability-based, multi-year planning and execution process. The DND is presenting DSOM as a possible solution to the setbacks encountered by the previous program.
Under DSOM the different aspects and stages involved in the modernization program shall be treated as one integrated and holistic process, starting from the assessment, planning and financial management aspect, down to the procurement and contracting stages.
The DND believes that with DSOM in place, the problem of constant changes in the priority list will now be avoided. Moreover DSOM also streamlines the procurement process by introducing the defense acquisition system, which only involves 2 assessment levels plus the actual procurement and contracting stage. This system will ensure that only material or system solutions that best address the identified capability gaps will be procured while taking into account cost-effectiveness considerations.
SB 3164 also introduces changes in the provision regarding the AFP modernization act trust fund. One fundamental change is that the fund can now be used to cover all necessary expenses to implement the procurement of equipment such as expenses for pre-selection and post-qualification stages. According to the military the lack of funds to pay for these expenses also hinders the entire procurement process. With respect to sources of the trust fund, some of the most significant amendments are:
First, the approval of Congress is no longer required in the lease or joint development of military reservations, in the same way may be accomplished with the consent of the president.
Second, only in the sale of military reservations is the approval of Congress necessary.
Third, proceeds from PPP projects entered into by either the DND or AFP will also form part of the said trust fund.
The creation of a congressional oversight committee is also proposed under SB 3164. The main purpose of having this oversight committee is to give Congress the needed muscle to safeguard the public funds allocated in the program and to ensure this new modernization program will be implemented as envisioned under this proposed measure.
Although it is true the previous modernization program has failed to accomplish its goal, this does not mean we should abandon our efforts to uplift the status of the AFP. We cannot escape the truth that every country needs a strong and reliable military force. For how can we guarantee a bright future if we cannot guarantee a safe protected and free environment for them?
As we all fervently hope that the situation in the Scarborough Shoal will not escalate to alarming levels, this matter only serves to (elucidate?) the importance of having a reliable military force. When we do not discount the importance of having allies, it is undeniable that our country must have a reliable military force that can readily protect and defend our territory, our natural resources, and most importantly our people.
How can our military, particularly our naval force, protect our rights if they only have a BFAR vessel MCS-3008, and the BRP EDSA-2, a PCG SARV to represent our country’s claim in the said area, as against the 14 Chinese ships in Panatag Shoal, 4 big maritime ships and 10 fishing boats? Indeed, this maritime standoff with China only brings to fore the urgency of immediately enacting his vital piece of legislation.
With the new modernization program in place, our AFP will have the opportunity to upgrade, improve and elevate its status to a competitive level. The modernization of our AFP must be made a priority of this administration.
This representation is not saying it should be prioritized over and above other concerns such as education or public health. But the current status of our armed forces is truly pitiful, and the ones who suffer greatly are the brave soldiers defending our country and our people in the field.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the simple truth is that when we help our soldiers we are not only helping ourselves but also ensuring a safe and protected future for our children.
In closing, let me state boldly here and now, that during this critical time in our modern history as a nation, the AFP modernization program is the lifeline of our AFP. And I can be equally bold in saying the AFP is the lifeline of our beloved country. Thank you very much.
*****
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