Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he will support proposed legislations for the establishment of a divorce process in the country as well the legalization of a civil union between same sex couples if he gets elected as the 17th president of the republic.
Lacson made his position known to the public during the yes-or-no segment of an interview with presidential aspirants hosted by broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.
Lacson voted “yes” when asked on his stand on the divorce bill, which has been languishing for years in Congress.
As regards his position on the same sex marriage, Lacson gave a qualified affirmative answer.
“If civil union, yes. But if same-sex marriage before the church, no,” the senator said.
With respect to other issues of interest to the voting public, Lacson also voted ‘yes’ on the following: banning candidate substitution by withdrawal, mandatory drug testing for all candidates seeking a public office; Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and United States; continuing peace talks between the government and communist organizations; allowing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations; establishing an enabling law against political dynasty; legalizing jueteng; legalizing marijuana use for medical purposes; publicizing the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of public officials; joint exploration between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea; and rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC).
On the other hand, the senator voted “no” on the following issues: revival of death penalty; allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of public services and public utilities; lowering the age of criminal liability; abolition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government; and banning candidates facing active cases in court to run for public office
The Partido Reporma chief also said he is in favor of pushing for political reforms that would return the two-party system in the Philippines instead of the current multi-party setup while keeping the presidential form of government.
Meanwhile, Lacson said his integrity – a trait he nurtured throughout his life, including in his more than 50 years in public service as a law enforcer and as a lawmaker – is what he will bring to the table should he win the May 9 presidential race.
“My integrity is what I am most proud of. I never accepted any bribe throughout my public service. So, it is my most prized possession in this lifetime,” he said.
“I’ve tasted power and I know how to handle power through personal experience. I am not abusive or corrupt. That is something I can be proud of,” Lacson added.