Lacson reaffirms support for Duterte’s fight vs criminality

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (File photo by CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson has found new reasons to continue supporting President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against criminality.

One is the President’s move to fire Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon, who is at the center of controversy after releasing heinous crime convicts under the law increasing the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) for prisoners.

Aside from firing Faeldon, Lacson also mentioned the President’s order for the freed convicts to surrender within 15 days.

These, he said, were “enough reasons‘ for him to continue supporting Duterte’s advocacies and programs against criminality.

“We are like-minded in our position to give preference to the rights of victims and society at large over the rights of criminal offenders,” Lacson said.

Other senators, including Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, backed Duterte’s move against Faeldon.

“I support the President’s decision,” Drilon said.

Sen. Imee Marcos expressed her gratitude, saying: “Thank you, Mr. President, for protecting our families from these criminals. Now it’s the job of Congress [referring to the House] and the Senate to sort out the GCTA ASAP.”

/atm