Lacson: ‘Designated Survivor’ bill is serious, realistic

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. INQUIRER file photo / JAM STA. ROSA

MANILA, Philippines—This is not trivial or petty issue, Senator Panfilo Lacson  said on Friday as he defended his “designated survivor” bill from people criticizing the proposal.

Lacson took to Twitter to defend the proposed law that clearly defines the line of succession in the event of death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of the acting president.

At present, the successors to the President are the Vice President, Senate President and House Speaker.

“Those who have criticized and mocked my bill on presidential succession, please read this,” Lacson wrote on Twitter.

The senator then posted the pertinent provision of the law, which reads:  “Art VII Sec 7 para 6 (in relation to para 5). The Congress SHALL BY LAW, PROVIDE who shall serve as President in case of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the officials…xxx”

While admitting that his bill was inspired by Netflix’s original suspense political thriller “Designated Survivor,” Lacson said the same provision mandates Congress to craft a law to identify the line of succession in case of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the acting president.

“Hindi ito trivial or petty or kung saan lang hinugot. May pinaghugutan naman ako rito at ang counterpart ko na si Rep. Castelo,” he said in an interview over DZBB.

The senator was referring to Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito, who also initiated the same measure in the House of Representatives.

READ: Who’s ‘designated survivor’ to lead PH?

“Seryoso ito kasi may mga bumatikos parang ano ba ito, masyadong trivial ang ating mga senador at congressmen. Hindi nila nalalaman na napakaseryosong bagay nito. Very realistic ito, practical ito,” Lacson said.

He reiterated that  his proposal has basis in the Constitution. /jpv