PANFILO M. LACSON
17th Congress
(Member, 10 August 2016 - 30 June 2019)
17th Congress
(Member, 10 August 2016 - 30 June 2019)
FEB
08
2017
Sponsorship speech for EVAN P. GARCIA for the Commission’s consent to his appointment as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland
Plenary Session No. 11, First Regular Session
Mr. Garcia holds commendable credentials in the Philippine Foreign Service, having served in various key posttions in the DFA such as Undersecretary for Policy from 2013 to 2016. Immediately prior to his nomination, he was appointed as the Philippine representative to the Court of St. James in England. In 2010, he had also served the ambassadorial post to which he is presently nominated.
It is in this regard that this Representation recommends that the Commission give its consent to Mr. Evan Pumaren Garcia as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
FEB
08
2017
Sponsorship speech for EDUARDO E. KAPUNAN, JR., for the Commission's consent to his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Union of Myanmar
Plenary Session No. 11, First Regular Session
The next nominee, Mr. Chairman, shares a colorful past with my other Philippine Military Academy mistah, our very own, our distinguished colleague, Senator Gregorio "Gringo' Honasan. I have fondly called, known retired Colonel Kapunan as "Red", a revered cavalier and a classmate of mine. Decades may have passed, but I am still glad to see that he remains in his prime, with the same snappy cadence we had as cadets.
For 24 years, Red served in the Philippine Air Force and retired with the rank of Colonel. He also led as the group commander of the First Anti-Terrorist Force of the AFP and later, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations or J3 and Academic Instructor in Economics at the Philippine Military Academy.
His military service best fits his Foreign Service career Red's first stint in DFA as Director for Intelligence and Security Service. a Special Assistant post to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs has received accolades. Under such position, he spearheaded the overall security preparedness of the Home Office. Consular Offices nationwide and the different foreign posts of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The nominee merits due credence for his wealth of knowledge and integrity that are contributory to the good of our Foreign Service and security.
Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my distinct privilege and honor to recommend that this Body give its consent to the nomination of retired Col. Eduardo E. Kapunan, Jr.,as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Union of Myanmar.
I so move. Mr. Chairman.
FEB
08
2017
Sponsorship speech for BIENVENIDO V. TEJANO for the Commission’s consent to his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Independent State of Papua, New Guinea, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands
Plenary Session No. 11, First Regular Session
Mr. Chairman, I have known the next nominee way back in 2006, when he was still posted as the Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand. We have remained as good friends from then on. Despite being offered other posts, he still chose to stay in Papua, New Guinea, and for good reason.
Mr. Tejano's ambassadorial role in the Independent State of Papua, New Guinea, has spanned two nonconsecutive terms: in 1998, which was also his first foreign posting, and in 2011, when he was reappointed. His Foreign Service has won him laurels, among them a Gold Medal, which was conferred upon him for the successful repatriation under his lead of numerous OFWs from the war torn Solomon Islands in year 2000. Needless to say, his exemplary leadership and mediation skills were contributory to his meaningful diplomatic functions in Papua, New Guinea, which I am sure he will also put into good use when he returns to the same post.
Thus, it is my honor and privilege to move that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Mr. Bienvenido V. Tejano, as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Independent State of Papua, New Guinea, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
FEB
08
2017
Sponsorship speech for EDUARDO M. ANO for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment to the rank of General in the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Plenary Session No. 11, First Regular Session
Mr. Chairman distinguished colleagues. It is this humble representation's distinct privilege and honor to recommend to this august Body the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of General Eduardo Manahan Ano. as the 48th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Our country's gallant soldiers, marines and airmen welcome the new leadership of General Ano with high spirits • not only is he known as a well revered cavalier, but also because among men of his rank, he has already proven to be a truly outstanding leader, or as we say, a man, "in a class of his own."
I share a special bond with General Ano because as everyone would notice, we have distinct similarities: for one, What we lack in height, we compensate with wrts and appeal. In fact, no one in this hall would argue that General Ano is a living testament that indeed, "great things come in small
packages".
For the information of everyone, Gen. Eduardo Manahan Ano is my cousin. Cousin-taas ko po siya para sa kaalaman ng lahat.
General Ano is a member of the Philippine Military Academy's Class of 1983 with batch name Matikas, which is synonymous to poised, refined, or debonair. He also graduated with the distinction of cum laude. Between you and me, to be branded as "matikas” and "matalino" in PMA is no small feat. These are distinct qualities that afford one with leadership roles, which in his fortunate fate, the AFP's highest echelon of command.
His meritorious record shows both wealth of knowledge and experience in combat, intelligence and military operations. Not many know that in 1993, this gentleman rated 100% and became top of his class in the International Officer Intelligence Course in Arizona, USA. He also took Counter Terrorism Course in Israel.
He rose from the ranks with performance record in the field of combat operations - initially serve in as platoon leader and eventually becoming the Brigade Commander of 201' Infantry Brigade, 2"" Infantry Division from 2010 to 20 12.
General Ano also held the highest intelligence post in AFP as the Chief of the Intelligence Service from 2012 to 20 14.
His illustrious career is coupled with numerous awards and decorations, foremost among which are: Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer); five Distinguished Service Stars; Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat: Silver Cross Medal; twenty four Bronze Cross Medals for intelligence case operations; thirty six Military Merit Medals, three of which are with Spearhead Device for accomplishments in combat actions against armed enemies; and lastly, ten Awards and Command Plaques, including the most coveted Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award as outstanding PMA Alumnus in the field of Army Operations in 1996.
A perusal of his accomplishments would make anyone easily intimated. Little do we know that beyond his honors. his personality brims with warmth and good sense of humor. He has an arsenal of witty jokes which could lighten up moods and liven up otherwise dull days. Yet again, it is not his jest that keeps him on top of his game, but his sincere humility that resonates among superiors, colleagues and subordinates. This man does not sit on his laurels nor lift his own chair; his sincerity begets the respect and obedience befitting to a man of his stature.
In brief, General Ano's wealth of knowledge and experience will definitely make a significant mark in the AFP's pursuit and success of its objectives. I will tell you, give this man a fair crack of the whip and he will create a meaningful reforms to improve excellence, competence and efficiency in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Mr. Chairman, with the welfare of the Filipino people and safety and security of the country, both from internal and external threat, as his primordial concern, I have the honor to move for the confirmation of the Commission on plenary the ad interim appointment of Gen. Eduardo Manahan Ano.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
MAR
08
2017
Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the ad interim appointment of PERFECTO RIVAS YASAY, JR. as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs
Plenary Session No. 14, First Regular Session
Mr. Chairman, this representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over two public hearings on February 22 and March 8, 2017 to deliberate on the ad interim appointment of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary-designate Perfecto Rivas Yasay, Jr. which was submitted to the Committee's jurisdiction for its consideration.
In the short course of time since the appointment of Secretary Yasay, various compelling issues have been leveled at him in magnified proportions - all considerably relevant and pertinent to the deliberation of his fitness and qualification as the Foreign Affairs Secretary.
The following are matters at hand: (1) whether or not his U.S. citizenship, granted in November 1986, was revoked through the Affidavit he executed in 1993 where he elaborated circumstances that made him "ineligible" for, and "disqualified" from having U.S. citizenship; (2) whether or not he has duly exercised his right of renunciation, and thereafter, formally reacquired his Filipino citizenship; (3) whether or not he was issued Filipino and U.S. Passports at the same time; and, (4) whether or not he has used his American passport from 2007 to 2009, supposedly during the time when he was no longer a U.S. citizen.
While this representation subscribes to the view that the Commission's public hearing is not the ultimate forum to determine Atty. Yasay's nationality and/or citizenship, it cannot be denied that the Commission on Appointments is also a proper forum to determine his qualifications and fitness as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Let this be a reminder to everyone present in this hall, that by definition, an oath is a solemn declaration, accompanied by a swearing to God or a revered person or thing, that one's statement is true or that one will be bound to a promise. The person making the oath implicitly invites punishment if the statement is untrue or the promise is broken. The legal effect of an oath is to subject the person to penalties for perjury if the testimony is false.
At the outset, it bears stressing that the foremost requirement to quality for an appointive osition as part of the Executive Department is the possession of Philippine citizenship. As stated in Section 45 of Executive Order No. 292, as amended, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987, to be appointed as a member of the President's official family, "Secretaries shall be citizens of the Philippines and not less than twenty five years of age."
Although the Constitution has vested the President the power to appoint members of the Executive Department, as a form of check and balance, it has also granted the Commission on Appointments the authority to approve or reject any appointee of the President belonging to the first level of appointment, founded on the qualification, fitness and character of the appointee.
Thus. in the exercise of the said right, the Commission has gone over the qualification and issues besetting the appointee. After a careful deliberation of the foregoing circumstances and upon a unanimous vote of 15 of its Members present in a Caucus held this morning, this representation, as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, hereby moves to reject the ad interim appointment of Atty. Perfecto Rivas Yasay, Jr.,as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
MAY
17
2017
Sponsorship speech for ALAN PETER S. CAYETANO for the Commission’s consent to his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs
Plenary Session No. 17, First Regular Session
Mr. Chairman, this morning this representation being the Chairman of your Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over probably the shortest public hearing to recommend to this Honorable Commission to give its consent to the nomination of Sen. Alan Peter S. Cayetano as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In the spirit of consistency, I will now deliver the shortest sponsorship speech. Thus, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, it is my distinct honor and privilege to move that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
AUG
23
2017
Sponsorship speech for JOSE MANUEL DEL GALLEGO ROMUALDEZ for the Commission’s consent to his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Saint Lucia, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I
Plenary Session No.2, Second Regular Session
Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, the Committee on Foreign Affairs presided by this representation conducted a public hearing this morning to hear and deliberate on the nomination of Mr. Jose Manuel Del Gallego Romualdez, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Saint Lucia.
Our nominee goes by the byname "Babe" and is widely known to belong to notable political families - the Lopezes and Romualdezes of Leyte. It may not be known to many that I shared fond memories with his elder brother, the late Alberto "Quasi" Romualdez, who served as the Secretary of Health from 1998 to 2001, not only as my contemporary in public service but also a very dear friend.
Aside from his affluent background, our nominee started his career as a newscaster in 1970 for RPN, Channel. He has made himself a mainstream news personality before rising from the ranks and holding key positions in the news outfit. His career has since been a roaring success. Mr. Romualdez or Ambassador Romualdez now serves as the President and CEO of Stargate Media Corporation an affiliate of the Philippine Star and publishing company of PEOPLE Asia Magazine. To say the least, his editorial columns, the bi-weekly Spy Bits, Sundays' Babe's Eye View and This Week, hit a wide following of readers.
Babe fancies the crowd with his candid and affable self. His refined demeanor makes for a good company to Manila's elite and foreign dignitaries. In fact, he has maintained his important role in the success of several official foreign trips and visits either as coordinator or member of the official delegation of several Presidents, government officials and dignitaries of our country. He started this role as early as 1989, when he served as the media coordinator during the official visit of then Vice President Salvador Laurel in Washington DC, New York. His most recent participation in such official visit was during President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Japan on October 2016.
Mr. Chairman, it is not the first time that our nominee has been offered the post, in fact, he declined his appointment at first because of an emergency operation to address his eye ailment. Luckily for all of us, he has recovered fully to take on the job.
You and I would agree that his sartorial elegance and refined public relations make for an effective bilateral relations with the United States. This serves the country in good stead as observed during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. His close ties with the United States Embassy expedited the response of USS George Washington, which made possible rescue missions and emergency airlifts to Leyte.
Our nominee's policy of mutually beneficial cooperation, anchored on mutual respect and equality as sovereign nations, are crucial to maintaining the long standing relations between the Philippines and the United States. With no less than the current US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim welcoming his appointment with warm congratulations, we guarantee strong diplomatic engagement with the United States.
Therefore, as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, it is this humble representation's distinct privilege and honor to move that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Mr. Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Saint Lucia, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
MAR
07
2018
Seconding Speech for SEN. LORNA REGINA B. LEGARDA for the Commission’s consent to her appointment to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force (Reserve) Armed Forces of the Philippines
Plenary Session No. 12, Second Regular Session
Mr. Chairman, when brains and beauty combined in a person's well-being, it may be difficult not to take notice, especially when she speaks on matters and issues closest to her heart – “environment”.
Mr. Chairman, esteemed colleagues of this uniquely generous and kind-hearted Body, at least, in today's confirmation hearing, it is my distinct honor and privilege to second the motion that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Lt. Col. Lorna Regina B. Legarda, to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force (Reserve).
Daring and passionate, this is how our distinguished colleague from the Province of Antique, Senator Legarda, was portrayed by People Asia Magazine on the cover of their latest issue.
Mr. Chairman, with our nominee's outstanding record as a topnotch Senator, environmental champion, indigenous people advocate, peace builder, and a lot more, I'll bet my bottom peso that no one will disagree to the observations made by one of the country's finest magazines.
She has remained committed to pursuing excellence, as shown by her impressive academic background back from her early school days up until the time when she graduated as the top of her class at the National Defense College of the Philippines with a Master's Degree in National Security Administration which earned her the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In her 20 years as a public servant, the Filipino people have seen her passion in pushing for the passage of the following key legislations: “Philippine Climate Change Act”; “People's Survival Fund Act”; “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act”; “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act” and its expanded version; and the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act”.
As her Vice Chairman in the Senate Committee on Finance, I'd say that my professional ties with our nominee can be likened to a love-hate relationship. How many times have we stood up and spoken out our minds from different sides of the table? I'd say not a few. At times, we agree, most of the time, we simply agree to disagree. However, Mr. Chairman, at the end of the day, I see our nominee as a woman of action, a doer and a mover.
Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is for these reasons and more that I second the recommendation that this Body give its consent to the appointment of Lt. Col. Lorna Regina B. Legarda, Philippine Air Force (Reserve), to the rank of Colonel of the Philippine Air Force.
I so move, Mr. Chairman.
MAR
07
2018
Seconding Speech for REP. ROY M. LOYOLA for the Commission’s consent to his appointment to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army (Reserve) Armed Forces of the Philippines
Plenary Session No. 12, Second Regular Session
Mr. Chairman, it is also my honor and privilege to second the motion that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Lt. Col. Roy M. Loyola, to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army (Reserve).
They say, “It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” I dare say that our nominee, Cong. Roy M. Loyola, is one of mine. I have known him from a long way back, perhaps too long, that I have already heard of all his oft repeated jokes and banters.
Between you and me, Mr. Chairman, Congressman Roy has two ways to win the hearts of his friends, relatives and constituents. I am tempted to go further and say, “ladies”, yes, our nominee is the most amazing lady killer I’ve seen in my whole life, either through his good sense of humor or his mouth-watering “binalot” or “rice and adobo” wrapped in banana leaves.
Everyone knows that Congressman Loyola is a good dose of comic relief. And it is a fact that good humor befits the intelligent and perceptive people such as our nominee.
A lawyer by profession and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, he has already modestly achieved his calling as a public servant.
He is a fellow Caviteño who has served as the Municipal Mayor of Carmona, Cavite for more than a decade, starting with his three consecutive terms from 1995 until 2004 and another term from 2007 to 2010. He was later elected as the first Representative of the newly created 5th District of Cavite in 2010.
Under his leadership, Carmona’s economy has grown from a quaint agricultural town to a highly commercialized and industrialized town. From what we know, as one of the smallest towns in the province of Cavite, Carmona is now a first class municipality, a high revenue earner and a major contributor in the economic activity of Cavite.
His exemplary performance as Local Chief Executive earned him the following: “Presidential Dangal ng Bayan Award” in 1999; “Presidential Lingkod Bayad Award” in 2009 both conferred by the Civil Service Commission; “Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence” in 2003; “General Emilio Aguinaldo Outstanding Achievement Award” for Industrial Development in 2006; and the “Apolinario Mabini Award“ in 2008, among others.
Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is to this end that I second the motion that this Body give its consent to the appointment of Lt. Col. Roy M. Loyola to the rank of Colonel of the Philippine Army (Reserve).
I so move, Mr. Chairman.