Senator Panfilo Lacson. PRIB FILE
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson has called for a “much-needed and long-overdue break” from corruption and bickering to focus on advancing national interest in this time of a pandemic, as he cited issues in the procurement of COVID-19 supplies such as face masks and testing kits.
Lacson said Filipinos should think first of national interest amid the pandemic instead of making “dishonest money” from the health crisis.
“All of us Filipinos should think of the national interest and unite to promote it. Those Filipinos engaging in corruption now, especially those wanting to make dishonest money from COVID, are not exempt from this,” the senator said in a statement on Monday.
According to him, information reaching his office indicate corruption in the procurement and supply of testing kits and machines, face masks, face shields, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other similar items that are in demand today.
The senator did not elaborate on this information but he earlier flagged the Department of Health (DOH) over overpriced medical supplies.
Lacson has likewise called for a “moratorium” on corruption in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) amid the pandemic.
“Can they at least forget about their greed during the pandemic? I am not saying they can resume their corrupt ways once the pandemic is over, but especially during this period when we face so many problems, they should pause if they cannot stop,” the lawmaker said in an interview on Eagle News.
Lacson then called on Filipinos to set aside “political colors” when it comes to pushing the nation’s interest, saying that while public discourse is healthy for a democracy, it should not degenerate into personal attacks and insults.
“Masyadong malalim na ang hidwaan o pagkakawatak-watak natin. Isantabi muna natin. Kasi meron tayong isang bansang Pilipinas na dapat ito ang nangingibabaw,” he said.
“Ito ang tinatawag nating national interest – para sa ating bansa at hindi sa ano pa mang grupo o partido,” he added.