Lacson: Official presidential trips should bear purpose

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson at the weekly Kapihan sa Senado, August 2. INQUIRER PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

More than just a being a “gift,” an official presidential trip abroad must have a purpose.

That is according to Senator Panfilo Lacson, who made a statement on Tuesday amid reports that military and police officials would be going with President Rodrigo Duterte on his trip to Israel.

“Goodwill may be a better word, or what the President actually meant.  Every official presidential trip abroad must have a purpose better than just being a gift to anyone in government,” Lacson said in a statement.

During the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday, President Duterte said that he would bring “some of the retiring military and police officers” in his state visit as a “gift” for supposedly serving the country well.

Duterte’s trip to Israel is scheduled for the first week of September.

READ: Duterte mocks Alejano, plays with Magdalo health scare claim

But Lacson, also a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said law enforcers were already mandated to provide good service.

“The reason is plain as it is simple – government officials are always expected to serve their best,” he pointed out.

“Rewards for the more deserving come in the form of promotions, awards, even a pat on the back,” the senator added. /cbb