MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed on Tuesday that he wants to head the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation in the 18th Congress.
Lacson said he has already relayed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III his interest to head the said committee, which is now being chaired by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.
“I talked to SP (Senate President), kung walang interesado sa electoral reforms I want to chair that committee if only to check Smartmatic,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.
The senator said there is a “consensus” building up to reform the current automated electoral system to make it “hybrid.”
“May consensus na nabubuo na gusto namin i-amend para maging hybrid. At least precinct level, manual; and transmission, electronic,” he said.
Aside from the electoral reforms committee, Lacson said he would continue to chair the Senate committee on accounts for the coming 18th Congress.
The finance committee has also been offered to him but Lacson said he refused because he would rather interpellate.
“Finance was offered to me but ayoko. Mas gusto ko mag-interpellate sa finance. At kung ako ginawang finance, walang insertion,” the senator said.
“Mag-aaway-away kami roon. That’s my primary reason. Confide ko na kay SP yan. Kung mag-finance ako walang insertion,” he added.
Lacson said the Senate committee on national defense and security has also been offered to him since its current chairman, Senator Gringo Honasan, is graduating. He did not say, however, whether or not he would accept the post.
Meanwhile, he would relinquish in the next Congress his chairmanship of the public order and dangerous drugs committee to Senator-elect Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Just like Lacson, Dela Rosa also headed the Philippine National Police. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)
READ: Lacson wants Senator elect Bato to look into plight of drug war victims