Panfilo Lacson

{{short description|Senator of the Philippines since 2025 and former police officer (born 1948)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Use Philippine English|date=November 2022}} {{Philippine name|Morena|Lacson}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Panfilo Lacson | image = Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson, Senate portrait 2025.png | image_size = | caption = Official portrait, 2025 | footnotes =  | party = Independent (2004–2021; 2022–present) | other_party = Reporma (2021–2022)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Santos |first1=Eimor |title=Partyless no more: Lacson now chairs Partido Reporma |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/7/29/ping-lacson-partido-reporma-2022-elections.html |access-date=July 29, 2021 |work=CNN Philippines |date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210729153820/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/7/29/ping-lacson-partido-reporma-2022-elections.html |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref> LDP (2001–2004) | birth_name = Panfilo Morena Lacson | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1948|6|1}} | birth_place = Imus, Cavite, Philippines | death_date = | death_place = | resting_place = | resting_place_coordinates = | spouse = Alice de Perio | relatives = | children = 4 | alma_mater = Philippine Military Academy (BS) Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (MPA) | occupation = {{hlist|Politician|former police general}} | cabinet = | portfolio = | website = {{URL|pinglacson.net|Official website}} | allegiance = | branch = Philippine Constabulary  | rank = | office = President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines | term_start = September 8, 2025 | term_end = May 11, 2026 | predecessor = Jinggoy Estrada | successor = Loren Legarda | office1 = Senator of the Philippines | term_start1 = June 30, 2025 | term_start2 = June 30, 2016 | term_end2 = June 30, 2022 | term_start3 = June 30, 2001 | term_end3 = June 30, 2013 {{collapsed infobox section begin |last=yes |Committee positions |titlestyle = border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes | office = Chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee | term_start = November 11, 2025 | term_end = May 20, 2026 | predecessor = Erwin Tulfo (acting) | successor = Pia Cayetano | term_start1 = September 8, 2025 | term_end1 = October 5, 2025 | predecessor1 = Rodante Marcoleta | successor1 = Erwin Tulfo (acting) | office2 = Chair of the Senate Electoral Reforms and People's Participation Committee | predecessor2 = Imee Marcos | term_start2 = July 30, 2025 | term_end2 = January 26, 2026 | successor2 = Risa Hontiveros | office3 = Chair of the Senate Accounts Committee | term_start3 = July 24, 2019 | term_end3 = June 30, 2022 | predecessor3 = Gregorio Honasan | successor3 = Nancy Binay | office4 = Chair of the Senate National Defense and Security Committee | term_start4 = July 23, 2019 | term_end4 = June 30, 2022 | predecessor4 = Gregorio Honasan | successor4 = Jinggoy Estrada {{Collapsed infobox section end}} }} | office4 = Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery | president4 = Benigno Aquino III | term_start4 = December 10, 2013 | term_end4 = February 10, 2015 | office5 = Chief of the Philippine National Police | president5 = Joseph Estrada Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo | term_start5 = November 16, 1999 | term_end5 = January 20, 2001{{efn|1=Leandro Mendoza seated as acting PNP chief from January 21, 2001.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Mendez |first=Christina |date=January 22, 2001 |title=Mendoza is acting PNP chief |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/22/89517/mendoza-acting-pnp-chief|access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> But due to Lacson's age of retirement having not being reached after his resignation (still at 53), Mendoza's rank is Deputy Director General until March 15, 2001,<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2002 |title=No irregularity in new term for PNP chief — DILG |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2002/02/15/150709/no-irregularity-new-term-pnp-chief-151-dilg |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> when Lacson formally retired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calica |first=Aurea |date=April 16, 2003 |title=Lacson files motion on 'KB' reopening |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2003/04/16/202873/lacson-files-motion-145kb146-reopening |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>|name=fn7}} | commands = * MetroCom Intelligence and Security Group (MISG, as deputy commander) * Isabela Provincial PC * PC-INP Anti Carnapping Task Force * Cebu Metropolitan District Command (Cebu MetroDisCom) | service_years = 1971–1991 | module = {{Infobox police officer | embed = yes | status = | service_label = Service | service = Philippine Constabulary Philippine National Police | department_label = Division | department = {{ubl| * Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) * Task Force Habagat – Presidential Anti-Crime Commission }} | branch_label = Police office | branch = Laguna Provincial Police | badge_number = | shield_number = | service_years = 1991–2001 | rank = {{nowrap|25px Director General}} | memorials = | other_work = }} | predecessor5 = Edmundo Larroza | successor5 = Leandro Mendoza }} '''Panfilo''' "'''Ping'''" '''Morena Lacson Sr.''' ({{IPA|tl|ˈlakson}}; born June 1, 1948) is a Filipino politician and former police officer who has served as a senator of the Philippines since 2025 and president pro tempore from 2025 until 2026. He previously served as a senator from 2001 to 2013 and from 2016 to 2022. Lacson is also a former police general who served as director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 1999 to 2001. He was a candidate in the 2004 and 2022 Philippine presidential elections.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panfilo Lacson Resume on Senate Website|url=https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/lacson_resume18th.asp|access-date=April 6, 2020|website=Senate of the Republic of the Philippines}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/25/final-official-tally-marcos-duterte-on-top-with-north-of-31m-votes-each/|title=Final, official tally: Marcos, Duterte on top with over 31M votes each |website=Manila Bulletin |date=25 May 2022 |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref>

During his tenure as the chief of the PNP, he was known for instituting various reforms within the organization. Despite some controversies,<ref>{{cite news|last=Bongon-Burgos|first=Arlene|title=Ping Lacson, 26 others charged with murder|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P5QVAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA3|access-date=April 1, 2024|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=March 9, 1999|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tulfo|first=Ramon|author-link=Ramon Tulfo|title=Why Erap's time was crime-free|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6lQ1AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA16|access-date=April 1, 2024|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=April 17, 2001|page=A16|quote=If those PAOCTF members are telling the truth about [Michael Ray] Aquino, then Lacson definitely had a hand in Dacer's abduction-murder. Aquino was Lacson's alleged alter ego at PAOCTF.}}</ref> his high approval rating and high-profile anti-corruption campaigns were key to his Senate bid in 2001, where he won and placed tenth in the elections. In January 2001, Lacson's withdrawal of police support for President Joseph Estrada was critical to Estrada's ouster in EDSA II. However, after Estrada was arrested on April 25, 2001, Lacson was among the politicians who spoke against his removal from office at pro-Estrada rallies that preceded the May 1 riots near Malacañang Palace.<ref name="PDIPazzibugan">{{cite news|last=Pazzibugan|first=Dona Z.|title=Lacson to 'EDSA III': Victory is nearly ours|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9VQ1AAAAIBAJ|access-date=April 1, 2024|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=April 29, 2001|page=1|quote=Panfilo Lacson[...] told the crowd that more people from the provinces were coming to Edsa to bolster their demand that Estrada be reinstalled as president.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Miriam dares: Come and get me|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/abs/inews-may2001.nsf/national/20010504080|work=ABS-CBN News|publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation|date=May 3, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010513130252/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/abs/inews-may2001.nsf/national/20010504080|archive-date=May 13, 2001|quote='I am not guilty; I spoke only twice at the week-long EDSA rally. I was not even in EDSA or Mendiola on the day the violent clashes occurred,' [Lacson] said.}}</ref> He ran for the presidency in 2004 but lost, though he continued to serve as senator until 2007. He won another six-year term in 2007.

After his first two terms in the Senate, Lacson was appointed by then-President Benigno Aquino III as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery in December 2013. He led the management and rehabilitation efforts of the central provinces in the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).<ref>[blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2013/12/02/philippines-aquino-appoints-past-senator-to-helm-typhoon-rehab/ Wall Streel Journal, Philippines' Aquino Appoints Past Senator to Helm Typhoon Rehab]</ref> In the 2016 elections, Lacson ran for senator and won, ranking fourth in the said elections.

Lacson made another attempt for the presidency of the Philippines during the 2022 Philippine presidential election, where he placed fifth, losing to Bongbong Marcos. After the election, Lacson said he would contribute to food security through an agri-aqua business.<ref name="iampinglacson">{{Cite tweet|url-access=limited|title=Register|user=iampinglacson|number=1538756764468150273|url=https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1538756764468150273}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite news|date=June 27, 2022|title=Lacson Seeks to Contribute to Food Security after Senate Stint|url=https://pinglacson.net/2022/06/27/lacson-seeks-to-contribute-to-food-security-after-senate-stint/|access-date=June 30, 2022|website=PING LACSON|language=en-US}}</ref>

Lacson's career in law enforcement became the basis of two local action films: ''Task Force Habagat'' (1993) and ''Ping Lacson: Super Cop'' (2000).

==Early life and education== Panfilo Morena Lacson was born in Imus, Cavite on June 1, 1948.<ref name="senbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/lacson_bio.asp|title=Senator Panfilo M. Lacson|publisher=Senate of the Philippines|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> His mother, Maxima, a market vendor, was a disciplinarian<ref>{{Cite web|title=2022 PRESIDENTIABLES {{!}} Ping Lacson: The Supercop Senator|url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/165294/ping-lacson-a738-20220503-lfrm|access-date=May 3, 2022|website=PEP.ph|language=en}}</ref> who instilled distinctions between right and wrong with her children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://politics.com.ph/this-woman-made-ping-cry/|title=Tough crime czar Ping Lacson weeps every time he remembers his mother. Here's why – Politiko|date=March 27, 2016|work=Politiko|access-date=July 10, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> His father, Buenaventura, was a jeepney driver whose experiences with "kotong cops" (extortionist policemen) eventually inspired him to fight extortion and other forms of corruption.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2021 |title=Ping Bares How Jeepney Driver Dad Inspired Him to End 'Kotong Cop' Culture |url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2021/1107_lacson1.asp |access-date=March 21, 2024 |website=Senate of the Philippines}}</ref> In a post on X/Twitter in May 2024, Lacson also said he got his "discipline, integrity and survival instinct" from his mother.<ref>[https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1786580295904588279 PING LACSON on Twitter/X]</ref>

He finished grade school at the Bayan Luma Elementary School in 1960 and high school at the Imus Institute in 1964. While Lacson initially wanted to be an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation, he was invited by a classmate to take the entrance exams at the Philippine Military Academy. Lacson passed but the classmate who invited him did not.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://pinglacson.net/about|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=pinglacson.net|language=en}}</ref>

After his graduation from the PMA in 1971, Lacson was commissioned in the Philippine Constabulary (PC), then a major service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) responsible for maintaining peace and order and enforcement of laws in the country.<ref name="senbio" />

In 1996, he earned a postgraduate degree of Master in Government Management from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.<ref name="senbio" />

Meanwhile, Lacson's advocacy against the pork barrel system and the corruption associated with him was cited by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila when it conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on March 27, 2019.<ref name=":1" />

Lacson also received from the Philippine Military Academy the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on February 19, 2022, in recognition of his "more than 50 years of “dedicated, exemplary and unblemished service to the country characterized by his faithful adherence to the virtues of Courage, Loyalty and Integrity."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gonzales|first=Cathrine|date=February 19, 2022|title=Lacson receives prestigious lifetime achievement award from PMA|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1556937/lacson-receives-prestigious-lifetime-achievement-award-from-pma|access-date=February 19, 2022|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}</ref>

==Police career== ===Early career: PC, PNP, PACC (1971–1999)=== Lacson worked at the Philippine Constabulary Metropolitan Command (Metrocom)'s Intelligence and Security Group (MISG) from 1971 to 1986. Lacson, whose work involved mainly intelligence-gathering, rose through the ranks, becoming Lieutenant Colonel in the mid-1980s. After the 1986 People Power Revolution, he served at the PC-INP Anti-Carnapping Task Force as its commander from 1986 to 1988, as provincial commander of the province of Isabela from 1988 to 1989, and as commander of the Cebu Metropolitan District Command (Metrodiscom) from 1989 to 1992. In 1991, he joined the then-newly created civilian Philippine National Police, or PNP, formed as a result of the merger of the military Philippine Constabulary and the civilian Integrated National Police or INP. (The INP was formed in 1975 as an integration of all local police forces in the country then under operational control of the PC.) Soon Lacson became Provincial Director of the province of Laguna from February to July 1992. Afterwards, he was appointed Chief of Task Force Habagat at the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission from 1992 to 1995. From 1996 to April 1997, he was given the task of project officer of "Special Project Alpha." Lacson was appointed Chief of the PNP on November 18, 1999.

American historian Alfred W. McCoy claimed in his 1999 book ''Closer Than Brothers'' that Lacson was among those in MISG who tortured prisoners during martial law in the 1970s,<ref>{{cite book|last=McCoy|first=Alfred W.|authorlink=Alfred W. McCoy|title=Closer Than Brothers: Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy|date=2002|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=0-300-07765-3|page=336|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GNFRaSf1dP4C|access-date=February 28, 2023|chapter=Impunity}}</ref> which Lacson has vehemently denied.<ref>{{cite news|last=Yumol|first=David Tristan|title=Lacson denies involvement in Martial Law abuses, evading murder cases|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/1/22/Lacson-denies-involvement-in-Martial-Law-abuses--evading-murder-cases.html|access-date=February 28, 2023|work=CNN Philippines|publisher=Nine Media Corp.|date=January 22, 2022|location=Metro Manila|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228050103/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/1/22/Lacson-denies-involvement-in-Martial-Law-abuses--evading-murder-cases.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A court case filed in 1983 by alleged martial law torture victims against Lacson and other military officers was closed by 2012 when the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeal's 2003 ruling that reversed the Quezon City Regional Trial Court's order for the military officers to pay damages to their alleged victims due to the decision lacking "procedural due process".<ref>{{cite news|last=Burgonio|first=TJ|title=Lawyers rap reversal of case vs Fabian Ver, Panfilo Lacson|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/170399/lawyers-rap-reversal-of-case-vs-fabian-ver-panfilo-lacson|access-date=February 28, 2023|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=April 1, 2012}}</ref>

====Anti-kidnapping and no-take policy==== While serving in the Philippine Constabulary's Metropolitan Command, Lacson's work involved mainly solving crimes, including kidnap-for-ransom incidents. In 1981, Lacson was a Lieutenant Colonel with the PC-Metrocom, when he led a team that rescued now-tycoon Robina Gokongwei-Pe, daughter of businessman John Gokongwei Jr., from a kidnap-for-ransom gang.

Robina's family offered Lacson and his team a reward, but Lacson declined it, as part of his no-take policy. Lacson explained he does not want his men to have the wrong mentality of not helping "gusgusin" (poor) complainants who cannot afford to give them rewards. The Gokongweis eventually decided to show their gratitude by donating mobile patrol vehicles to the PC, coursing it through then PC chief Maj. Gen. Fidel Ramos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/08/19/lacson-time-to-revisit-make-anti-graft-laws-more-implementable/|title=Lacson: Time to Revisit, Make Anti-Graft Laws More Implementable|date=August 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref>

In a Twitter post, Lacson recalled advising the elder Gokongwei not to sound intimidated while negotiating with the kidnappers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1193321028245549056|title=In 1981, I instructed him not to sound intimidated while negotiating for Robina's ransom snapped at her kidnappers, "10M? Do you know how long it'll take me to count that much money? You can have my daughter!" I said, not too bold either Mr John. Rest in Peace, John Gokongwei Jr.|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=November 9, 2019|website=@iampinglacson|language=en|access-date=November 15, 2019}}</ref> He said that after Robina's rescue, the elder Gokongwei offered P400,000 as reward money, which he declined. Instead, Gokongwei donated 10 mobile cars to the PC Metrocom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1193325681695809536|title=We rescued Robina just before the ransom payment, so no ransom was paid. Afterwards, John offered P400K as reward money which I politely declined. He officially donated 10 mobile cars to the PC Metrocom instead thru then Chief PC Fidel V. Ramos.|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=November 9, 2019|website=@iampinglacson|language=en|access-date=November 15, 2019}}</ref> Robina recounted details of the incident in her eulogy to her father.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/movers/robina-gokongwei-pe-eulogy-for-john-gokongwei-jr-a00308-20191112-lfrm|title=Robina Gokongwei Pe Delivers Humorous Eulogy For Her Dad, John Gokongwei, Jr.| first=Hannah | last = Lazatin |website=Esquiremag.ph|access-date=November 15, 2019}}</ref>

During his stint in Cebu, Lacson rescued the son of a Cebu-based retail magnate. The victim's family intended to give the money they prepared as ransom to Lacson and his operatives as a reward, but Lacson declined it. Lacson was said to have told the victim's family that a mere "thank you" was more than enough for him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/08/19/rough-cuts-zozobrados-proposed-ordinance/|title=Rough Cuts {{!}} Zozobrado's proposed ordinance|date=August 19, 2019|website=Mindanao Times|language=en-US|access-date=August 22, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 1992, Lacson was recruited to the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission chaired by then Vice President Joseph Estrada. Lacson headed the PACC's Task Force Habagat, which would go on to solve several kidnap-for-ransom cases.

Lacson, who would later head the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001, founded the PNP Foundation in 2000, as a way for civic-minded people to give contributions for the benefit of the PNP as an institution.

====Anti-jueteng campaign====

Aside from kidnap-for-ransom gangs, jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling were also in Lacson's sights when he was in the PC, and eventually in the Philippine National Police.

In 1992, he bared an attempt by local jueteng operators in Laguna to bribe him, initially to the tune of P1.2 million a month. He rejected the offer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2017/05/24/sponsorship-speech-for-committee-report-77-for-senate-bill-909-an-act-increasing-the-penalties-for-other-illegal-gambling-activities/|title=Sponsorship Speech for Committee Report 77|date=May 24, 2017|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref>

Lacson maintained an all-out effort against jueteng, even if in the process he crossed paths with eventual President Joseph Estrada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2009/09/14/ang-dalawang-mukha-ng-sining/|title=Ang Dalawang Mukha ng Sining|date=September 14, 2009|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref>

===PAOCTF chief (1998–2001)=== Under the Estrada administration, Lacson headed the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), bringing to zero the number of kidnap-for-ransom cases. The PAOCTF also scored high against drug trafficking, smuggling activities, carnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other nefarious activities.

===PNP chief: Reforms and kotong cops (1999–2001)=== While heading the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), he was appointed to serve as Philippine National Police Chief in 1999, but did not get his 4-star rank due to former Santiago Aliño's retirement issues since 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Echeminada |first=Perseus |title=Barbers seeks director general rank for Lacson |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2000/01/28/94563/barbers-seeks-director-general-rank-lacson |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He only got the 4-star rank in March 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frialde |first=Mike |date=March 21, 2000 |title=At last, Lacson gets his fourth star |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2000/03/21/87190/last-lacson-gets-his-fourth-star |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

Lacson's notable accomplishments were the reduction of corrupt policemen (Kotong Cops) and various organized crime syndicates engaged in kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.

As Chief PNP, Lacson eliminated the "Kotong culture" (bribe culture) among the police officers. He rationalized the distribution of financial and logistical resources by downloading 85 percent to the police frontline units, retaining only 15 percent in the police headquarters. He imposed a strict physical fitness test on all PNP members, invoking a 34-inch maximum waistline for police officers.

Lacson refused to accept bribe money from illegal gambling operators and contractors and suppliers transacting business with the PNP, declining offers of monetary rewards from kidnap-for-ransom victims after rescuing them from their captors.<ref name="senate.gov.ph">{{Cite web|url=http://senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/lacson_resume.asp|title=Legislative Agenda of Senator Lacson – Senate of the Philippines|website=senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Meanwhile, Lacson downloaded 85% of the PNP's budget to the operating units to improve the overall management, while removing excess privileges of top police officials.

Most importantly, Lacson stopped the practice of "kotong cops," who extort money from public utility drivers, vegetable and rice dealers, and vendors.

Under Lacson's leadership, the PNP earned a whopping 64% approval rating in July and October 2000, the highest ever recorded from the Filipino people. Lacson himself got an approval rating of 73% as Chief PNP in July 2000, thus regaining the PNP's glory years by restoring public trust in the police force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Ping Lacson |url=https://pinglacson.net/about/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=PING LACSON |language=en-US}}</ref>

Lacson resigned on January 22, 2001, due EDSA Dos, but only retired formally on March 16, 2001. That late retirement made Leandro Mendoza's promotion to the rank Director General delayed, even Mendoza was instilled as the new PNP Chief.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Mendez |first=Christina |date=January 22, 2001 |title=Mendoza is acting PNP chief |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/22/89517/mendoza-acting-pnp-chief |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

====Kuratong Baleleng case==== {{Main|1995 Kuratong Baleleng rubout}}

The Kuratong Baleleng of the 1990s was a criminal gang linked to a series of violent crimes that included kidnappings and bank robberies. In some of the robberies, the gang's members would gun down security guards and innocent bystanders.

In 1995, members of a composite task group assigned to stop robberies in Metro Manila were linked to the killing of 11 members of Kuratong Baleleng in Quezon City. The PACC was a part of the composite task force.

In 2003, the High Tribunal ordered the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to try the case against Lacson and 33 other police officials. The trial court dismissed the criminal case, finding absence of probable cause. The special prosecuting team later moved for new trial before the High Tribunal to remand case to the trial court to present new evidence against then-Senator Lacson, inter alia. On May 2, 2008, the Supreme Court of the Philippines resolved to take cognizance of the motion of the families of the slain Kuratong Baleleng members for revival of the murder case against police officials and Senator Panfilo Lacson.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/93051/SC-defers-action-on-revival-of-Kuratong-case gmanews.tv/story, SC defers action on revival of Kuratong case]</ref>

On November 13, 2012, the Supreme Court in an en banc decision denied the government's motion to revive the case and affirmed the lower court's decision dismissing it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/55328|title=G.R. Nos. 162144-54|website=elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph|access-date=June 2, 2019}}</ref>

====Dacer–Corbito murder case==== {{Main|Dacer–Corbito double murder case}}

On November 24, 2000, publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito were abducted in Makati. In April 2001, their burnt corpses were found by a creek in Indang, Cavite. The Department of Justice filed double murder charges against Police Senior Superintendent Michael Ray Aquino and other police officers, including Senior Superintendent Cezar Mancao II and Senior Superintendent Glenn Dumlao – all members of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) headed by then Police Director-General Panfilo Lacson.<ref>''GMA News Online''. (December 4, 2008). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/137401/publicaffairs/dacer-corbito-murder-case Dacer – Corbito murder case.]</ref><ref name="PDI_Dacer-Corbito">''Philippine Daily Inquirer''. (February 8, 2015). [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/671268/what-went-before-suspects-in-dacer-corbito-murders What Went Before: Suspects in Dacer, Corbito murders].</ref>

In his 2001 affidavit, Senior Superintendent Glenn Dumlao implicated then President Joseph Estrada and then Director-General Panfilo Lacson in the Dacer–Corbito Murder Case. Both Estrada and Lacson denied their involvement.<ref name="PDI_Dacer-Corbito" />

In 2009, former police senior superintendent Cezar Mancao II named Lacson as the mastermind of the murders of Salvador Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito. The allegations were made in an affidavit that Mancao signed on February 14, 2009. Mancao was allegedly present when Lacson gave the hit order to then Police Senior Superintendent Michael Ray Aquino sometime in October 2000.<ref name="PhilStarMancao">[https://archive.today/20120911105640/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=449023 Ping gave hit order on Dacer – Mancao]. ''The Philippine Star''. March 16, 2009.</ref>

Lacson denied these allegations, stating that the Office of the President had pressured Mancao to sign the affidavit.<ref name="PhilStarMancao" />

On January 5, 2010, Lacson left the Philippines on a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, shortly before charges against him were filed in court.<ref>Dedace, Sophia (February 2, 2010). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/183009/news/nation/lacson-flees-rp-to-escape-arroyo-harassment Lacson flees RP to escape Arroyo 'harassment']. ''GMA News Online''</ref><ref>Legaspi, Amita (February 2, 2010). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/183001/news/nation/lacson-flew-to-hk-on-jan-5-immigration-chief Lacson flew to HK on Jan 5 — Immigration chief]. ''GMA News Online''</ref><ref>Mendez, C. (February 3, 2010). [http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/545928/lacson-flees-rp Lacson flees RP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917191121/http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/545928/lacson-flees-rp |date=September 17, 2016 }}. ''The Philippine Star''</ref> He became a fugitive for the next fifteen months. He had been spotted in Hong Kong and Rome but was never apprehended.<ref>Calonzo, A. (March 16, 2010). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/186285/news/nation/doj-chief-lacson-spotted-in-rome-may-be-hiding-in-europe DOJ chief: Lacson spotted in Rome, may be hiding in Europe]. ''GMA News Online''</ref><ref>Dedace, S. M. (July 15, 2010). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/196152/news/nation/lacson-last-spotted-in-rome-says-nbi-chief Lacson last spotted in Rome, says NBI chief.] ''GMA News Online''</ref>

On February 5, 2010, Branch 18 of the Regional Trial Court in Manila issued an arrest warrant against him.<ref>Araneta, Sandy (February 6, 2010). [http://www.philstar.com/headlines/546772/arrest-warrant-out-ping Arrest warrant out for Ping]. ''The Philippine Star''</ref> On February 11, 2010, Interpol issued a Red Notice for Lacson.<ref>Felipe, Cecille Suerte (March 3, 2010). [http://www.philstar.com/metro/554049/interpol-red-notice-does-not-mean-lacsons-arrest Interpol 'red notice' does not mean Lacson's arrest.] ''The Philippine Star''</ref><ref>Merueñas, Mark D. (February 11, 2010). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/183696/news/nation/lacson-now-on-interpol-red-notice-list-nbi Lacson now on Interpol red notice list – NBI.] ''GMA News Online''</ref><ref>''ABS-CBN News''. (2010, Feb 12 ). [https://www.abs-cbn.com/nation/02/11/10/lacson-placed-interpol-wanted-list Lacson placed in Interpol wanted list.]</ref>

On February 3, 2011, the Court of Appeals withdrew the murder charges against the senator (SP-116057).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://services.ca.judiciary.gov.ph/|website=services.ca.judiciary.gov.ph|title=Case Status Inquiry System|access-date=June 2, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Its decision cited Mancao as "not a credible and trustworthy witness".<ref>[http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/03/16/11/lawyer-insists-mancao-credible-witness Lawyer insists Mancao a credible witness], [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com abs-cbnnews.com], March 16, 2011</ref> Mancao has since turned fugitive after escaping from the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation in May 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/28005-cesar-mancao-escapes-custody/|title = Cezar Mancao escapes from NBI| date=May 2, 2013 }}</ref><ref>Torres-Tupas, T. (May 2, 2013). [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/400961/ex-police-officer-in-dacer-corbito-slay-escapes-with-guards-help Ex-police officer in Dacer-Corbito slay escapes with guards' help]. ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''</ref>

Lacson returned to the country on March 26, 2011, a month after the Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' ruling on the case.<ref>[http://www.chanrobles.com/scresolutions/2011juneresolutions.php?id=205 G.R. No. 196209 — Carina L. Dacer, Sabina Dacer-Reyes, Emily Dacer-Hungerford, and Amparo Dacer-Henson v. Panfilo M. Lacson]</ref><ref>Merueñas, Mark D. (March 26, 2011). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/216249/news/nation/lacson-back-in-phl-from-hk-after-hiding-for-over-a-year Lacson back in PHL from HK after hiding for over a year.] ''GMA News Online''</ref><ref>''The Philippine Star'' (March 27, 2011). [http://www.philstar.com/headlines/669887/ping-surfaces Ping surfaces].</ref>

In a 2015 interview with the media, Mancao (still a fugitive) apologized to Lacson and Estrada for linking them in the Dacer–Corbito murders, admitting that he had no personal knowledge on the supposed involvement of the two. He also claimed that he was forced by the Arroyo administration to implicate their names.<ref>Locsin, J. & Fernandez, A. (February 7, 2015). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/428953/news/nation/cezar-mancao-to-surrender-apologizes-to-lacson-estrada Cezar Mancao to surrender, apologizes to Lacson, Estrada]. ''GMA News Online''</ref><ref>ABS-CBN News. (February 7, 2015). [https://www.abs-cbn.com/nation/02/07/15/de-lima-tells-mancao-come-clean-tell-truth De Lima tells Mancao: Come clean, tell the truth].</ref>

===PNP Foundation chair=== While he has retired from the police service, Lacson continues to help the PNP in his capacity as chairman of the PNP Foundation Inc., which donates equipment and other needs of the police force - including support for a project to put up an Open University in collaboration with the University of the Philippines. This will allow PNP personnel to take up required and special training courses online, without necessarily leaving their places of assignment.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-15 |title=At the PNP Foundation Inc.'s Donation to the PNP |url=https://pinglacson.net/2022/08/15/at-the-pnp-foundation-inc-s-donation-of-equipment-to-the-pnp/ |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=PING LACSON |language=en-US}}</ref>

As senator from 2017 to 2022, Lacson also amended to augment the budget of the PNP in the annual General Appropriations Act in the total amount of P8,069,970,000 - aside from authoring, sponsoring or co-authoring landmark legislations benefiting the PNP. "I can proudly say without mental reservation and fear of contradiction, being your former Chief, I have paid my dues to the men and women of this proud organization both active and retired", Lacson said in his remarks before the PNP on Aug. 15, 2022.<ref name="ReferenceC"/>

===EDSA Tres=== From April 26 to 30, 2001, together with Juan Ponce Enrile, Gregorio Honasan, Miriam Defensor Santiago and Tito Sotto, he spoke at the EDSA III rallies that called for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation and the reinstatement of Estrada to the presidency.<ref name="PDIPazzibugan"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/90521/miriam-gma-resign-or-we-will-storm-palace|title= Miriam to GMA: Resign or we will storm palace|work=The Philippine Star|date=April 30, 2001|access-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="EDSA INC" /> On May 1, 2001, the protesters stormed Malacañang Palace.<ref name="EDSA INC" >{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/104045-edsa-3-iglesia-ni-cristo/|title= Remembering the Iglesia-led EDSA 3 |work=Rappler|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref>

== Senate of the Philippines (2001–2013) == thumb|left|Official portrait, 2007

Lacson ran for senator in the 2001 elections under the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), which was affiliated with Estrada's ''Puwersa ng Masa'' coalition. He won a seat in the Senate, finishing in tenth place.

In late 2006, Lacson said he might run as mayor of the city of Manila in the 2007 midterm elections. However, he rescinded that decision and instead ran for a second Senate term under the Genuine Opposition coalition. He won reelection in the 2007 senatorial elections, ranking third.

On March 11, 2003, Lacson delivered a speech entitled Living Without Pork, exposing the evils and temptations presented by the pork barrel system, and called for its total abolition.<ref name="speech">{{Citation|last=Ping Lacson|title=Privilege Speech: Living Without Pork {{!}} March 11, 2003|date=July 16, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzzDrx6Wxxo&t=2s|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> During deliberations on the national budget, he stated he would make sure his PDAF allocation reverted to the National Treasury – in the process saving the government some PhP2.4 billion during his first 12 years in the Senate.

Lacson's advocacy against the pork barrel system and the corruption associated with him was cited by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila when it conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on March 27, 2019.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/03/28/doctorate-degree-and-speech-at-the-commencement-exercises-of-the-pamantasan-ng-lungsod-ng-maynila/|title=Doctorate Degree and Speech at the Commencement Exercises of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila|date=March 28, 2019|website=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=March 29, 2019}}</ref>

Meanwhile, his alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy, conferred on him on February 19, 2022, the Lifetime Achievement Award citing his more than 50 years of “dedicated, exemplary and unblemished service to the country characterized by his faithful adherence to the virtues of Courage, Loyalty and Integrity.”<ref>{{Citation|title=Ping Lacson: Lifetime Achievement Award sa PMA| date=February 18, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE3F3f4fZyA|language=en|access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref>

Lacson filed bills that aimed to improve public service, enhance reproductive health, promote investments, bolster the country's defense capabilities,

He was one of the main authors of two legislative measures of the Aquino administration, one of which was the Reproductive Health Act. The measure seeks to promote responsible parenthood and to protect the health of the mother and child by giving them access to reproductive health services. President Benigno Aquino III certified the bill as urgent, allowing Congress to pass it quickly. President Aquino signed it into law as Republic Act 10354 in December 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/12/29/891258/copy-rh-law-signed-president-benigno-s.-aquino-iii|title=Copy of RH Law signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III|work=The Philippine Star|access-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806044900/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/12/29/891258/copy-rh-law-signed-president-benigno-s.-aquino-iii|archive-date=August 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Another legislative measure where Lacson was a main author was the Sin Tax Reform Act, which imposes higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products to deter the public from buying such products. Those who buy such products will have to pay higher taxes, whose proceeds will go to the government's universal health program.

For the Sin Tax Reform Act, Lacson had filed Senate Bill No. 2763, which sought to restructure the excise tax on alcohol products; and Senate Bill No. 2764, which sought to restructure the excise tax on tobacco products. President Aquino signed the bill into law as Republic Act 10351.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/12/21/888415/sin-tax-bill-signed-law|title=Sin tax bill signed into law|last=Calica|first=Aurea|work=The Philippine Star|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson authored Senate Bill No. 2783, which strengthened further the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. His work is now part of Republic Act No. 10167, which was approved and signed into law on June 18, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2012/ra_10167_2012.html|title=Republic Act No. 10167|website=The LawPhil Project|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson authored an amendment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, which aims to provide more funds to the military. President Aquino signed the measure as Republic Act 10349 on December 11, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2012/ra_10349_2012.html|title=Republic Act No. 10349|website=The LawPhil Project|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson filed Senate Bill No. 2993, An Act Providing for a comprehensive law on firearms, light weapons and ammunitions, which was signed into law as Republic Act 10591.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2013/ra_10591_2013.html|title=Republic Act No. 10591|website=The LawPhil Project|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson authored the law converting Imus, Cavite from a municipality into a city. The measure became Republic Act No. 10161 on May 8, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2012/ra_10161_2012.html|title=Republic Act No. 10161|website=The LawPhil Project|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson filed Senate Bill No. 2945, which reapportioned the province of Cotabato into three legislative districts. The bill was passed into law as Republic Act 10177.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/09/14/republic-act-no-10177/|title=Republic Act No. 10177|website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

He filed resolutions that led to many officials being held accountable, whether incumbent or former. Among these were:

*Resolution No. 518: Directing the Blue Ribbon Committee to look into the alleged anomalous acquisition by the Philippine National Police of light operational helicopters in 2009. The resolution triggered an investigation that led to the filing of criminal charges against the officials and personalities linked to the questionable purchase. Some of them were dismissed from the service. *Resolution No. 519: Directing the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to look into corruption by the previous board of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Many of the officials linked to the irregularity – including former president Gloria Arroyo – have been charged before the graft court. *Resolution No. 537: Directing the Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate electoral sabotage in the 2004 and 2007 elections, which triggered the charges that led to the arrest and detention of former officials, including former president Gloria Arroyo.

Another resolution, Resolution No. 660, sought congratulate new Cardinal and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle.

Lacson filed resolutions commending members of the police and military for safeguarding Filipinos, including: *Resolution No. 542: Resolution honoring The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) of 2011 *Resolution No. 562: Resolution commending the Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) of 2011

As fiscalizer in the Senate, Lacson initiated the investigation of the following:

*IMPSA investigation – 2002 *Jose Pidal investigation – 2003 *Jueteng investigation – 2005 *Textbook Scam investigation – 2006 – 2007 *Flight of Filipino nurses recruited by Sentosa Recruitment Agency – 2007 *Alleged bribery in the failed impeachment bid against President Arroyo – 2007 *Overpricing in the decorative lampposts used in the Asean summit in Cebu City – 2007 *Irregularities in the multibillion-peso Quedancor swine program – 2008 *Plan by the Social Security System to channel workers' pension funds into a government economic stimulus program – 2009 *Alleged irregularities in the purchase of video equipment for the Senate's Public Relations and Information Bureau – 2009

=== 2004 presidential campaign === {{see also|2004 Philippine presidential election|Panfilo Lacson 2004 presidential campaign}} Lacson ran for President in the 2004 general election against the incumbent president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. His candidacy stirred disagreements with its party president, Senator Edgardo Angara.<ref>Aravilla, Jose & Diaz, Jess (December 30, 2003). [http://www.philstar.com/headlines/233366/lacson-formalizes-2004-bid Lacson formalizes 2004 bid.] ''The Philippine Star''.</ref> The COMELEC decided to follow what was done in the Quirino-Avelino case splitting the certificates of votes into half. Angara appealed the case before the Supreme Court and reversed the COMELEC decision. Lacson resigned from the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) upon hearing the news.<ref>Cervantes, Ding (May 17, 2004). [http://www.philstar.com/headlines/250321/angara-ldp-will-emerge-stronger-without-lacson Angara: LDP will emerge stronger without Lacson]. ''The Philippine Star''</ref>

After resigning from the LDP, Lacson continued campaigning as an independent candidate in the elections. He finished third with 10.88% of the vote, ahead of former senator Raul Roco and Bro. Eddie Villanueva.<ref>Presidential Museum and Library. [http://malacanang.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Philippine-Electoral-Almanac-May-10-spreads109.jpg 2004 Presidential Elections Data] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511150627/http://malacanang.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Philippine-Electoral-Almanac-May-10-spreads109.jpg |date=May 11, 2015 }}.</ref>

== Aquino Cabinet (2013–2015) == In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, that caused widespread destruction, substantial damage and death in several areas in the country, particularly in the Visayas, President Aquino appointed Lacson as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) with the mandate of unifying the efforts of government and other agencies involved in the rehabilitation and recovery efforts. His office crafted the Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (CRRP) with a PhP167 billion proposed funding, which provides for an overall strategic vision and integrated short-term, medium-term and long-term programs in the Yolanda-affected areas. Lacson's efforts in the Yolanda rehabilitation led to the institutionalization of certain mechanisms on rehabilitation of calamity-affected communities.

In December 2014, Lacson tendered his irrevocable resignation as PARR which took effect in February 2015. He recommended the transition of his office's accomplishments and best practices to a permanent government agency. Lacson viewed the scheduled sunset review of Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010", as an opportune time to propose possible remedial measures that will help improve the effectiveness of the law, especially on the aspect of disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

Lacson pointed out that while his mandate as PARR was to develop a rehabilitation plan, he had no authority to implement or manage funds.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/an-unforgettable-chapter-in-my-public-service-career/464119/|title=An unforgettable chapter in my public service career|date=November 8, 2018|work=The Manila Times|access-date=November 8, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Senate of the Philippines (2016–2022) == thumb|Lacson taking part in a Senate hearing in September 2019 alt=|thumb|Lacson at Camp Crame in 2019

Lacson originally planned to run for president in the 2016 election.<ref>GMA News. (April 10, 2015). [http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/467494/news/nation/one-more-time-ping-lacson-eyeing-the-presidency-in-2016 One more time? Ping Lacson eyeing the presidency in 2016].</ref> However, due to low ratings in most pre-election presidential surveys, he decided to run for a senate seat as an independent candidate in the 2016 Philippine general election.<ref>Ager, M. (October 8, 2015). [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/729039/lacson-no-longer-running-for-president-in-2016 Lacson no longer running for president in 2016]. ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''.</ref> He was a guest candidate in the senatorial slates of presidential candidates Jejomar Binay (UNA) and Mar Roxas (LP).<ref>Macaraig, A. (October 21, 2015). [https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/109926-una-senate-slate-complete/ Binay finally completes UNA Senate slate]. ''Rappler''.</ref><ref>''CNN Philippines''. (October 13, 2015). [http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/10/12/Liberal-Party-LP-2016-senator-lineup.html Liberal Party reveals 2016 senatorial slate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726175438/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/10/12/Liberal-Party-LP-2016-senator-lineup.html |date=July 26, 2016 }}.</ref> He was initially listed in Senator Grace Poe's senatorial lineup, but he was eventually replaced by Edu Manzano.<ref name="Ager">Ager, M. (October 27, 2015). [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/734729/amid-being-subbed-out-of-poes-slate-lacson-says-hes-for-roxas Lacson: Poe dropped me from slate in favor of Edu Manzano]. ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''.</ref><ref>Salaverria, Leila B. (October 30, 2015). [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/735485/grace-poe-apologizes-for-dropping-lacson Grace Poe apologizes for dropping Lacson]. ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''</ref><ref>Cayabyab, M. J. (October 27, 2015). [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/734818/poe-on-dropping-lacson-give-others-a-chance Poe on dropping Lacson: Give others a chance]. ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''</ref> He was also listed in Rodrigo Duterte's (PDP–Laban) senatorial slate. However, on February 15, 2016, the Duterte-Cayetano tandem dropped their entire senatorial lineup.<ref>Andrade, J. I. (February 16, 2016) [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/765097/no-more-senatorial-slate-for-duterte-cayetano-team No more senatorial slate for Duterte-Cayetano team]. ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''</ref><ref>Rosario, B. (February 16, 2016). [http://www.mb.com.ph/team-duterte-drops-all-12-senatorial-bets/ Team Duterte drops all 12 senatorial bets]. ''Manila Bulletin''.</ref>

Lacson, who endorsed former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas' presidential campaign,<ref name="Ager" /><ref>Adel, Rosette. ( 2016, February 18). [http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/18/1554403/lacson-reveals-why-hes-endorsing-mar Lacson reveals why he's endorsing Mar]. ''The Philippine Star''</ref> garnered around 17 million votes in the 2016 elections, earning his way to a Senate seat by ranking fourth in terms of total votes.<ref>"[http://www.comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2016NLE/Resolutions/nboc_res00716.pdf NBOC Resolution No. 007-16]". Commission on Elections en banc sitting as the National Board of Canvassers. May 19, 2016.</ref>

In the 17th Congress, Lacson filed Senate Bill 41,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-41|title=17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 41 – Senate of the Philippines|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> the National Reference Act of 2016, which seeks to establish a National ID system that can help government law enforcers deter criminality and terrorism by facilitating the processes of apprehension and prosecution. The system seeks to address the problems of constant delays and inconveniences in availing of basic public services and social security benefits due to inefficient and unreliable means of identifying the beneficiaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0709_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson seeks easier transactions, better fight vs crime with National Reference System bill|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> The bill was signed into law as RA 11055 in late 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/08/08/batas-na-an-act-establishing-the-philippine-identification-system-national-id/|title=Read: RA 11055, An Act Establishing the Philippine Identification System (National ID)|date=August 8, 2018|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref>

Lacson filed Senate Bill 42,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-42|title=17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 42 – Senate of the Philippines|website=senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> penalizing a wide range of crimes ranging from drug-related offenses to treason, terrorism, and human trafficking.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0703_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill makes terrorism, human trafficking, plunder, treason, drug-related crimes punishable by death|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson filed Senate Bill 48,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-48|title=17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 48 – Senate of the Philippines|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> which seeks to amend Republic Act 4200 to update the list of crimes where wiretapping may be deemed lawful under certain circumstances. The measure may give law enforcers more teeth against crimes like drugs, money-laundering and coups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0710_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill seeks to allow wiretaps vs coups, money-laundering, drug cases|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> On October 19, 2016, Lacson sponsored Senate Bill 1210, the proposed Expanded Anti-Wiretapping Act of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-1210|title=17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 1210 – Senate of the Philippines|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Other bills filed by Lacson include:

*Senate Bill 258, which offers substantial rewards and better protection to witnesses in exchange for coming out and testifying against government officials or employees involved in corruption.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0731_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill offers big rewards for whistleblowers in corruption cases|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> *Senate Bill 1025, which strips drug pushers, manufacturers, cultivators, importers and financiers of their rights under the Bank Secrecy Act, so they can no longer hide their ill-gotten money in banks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0824_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill strips drug pushers, financiers of bank secrecy|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson filed bills to ensure professionalism among law enforcers, including:

*Senate Bills 255<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0724_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Christmas bonuses and more: Lacson bill seeks to uplift barangay tanods' lot with added benefits|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> and 266,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0722_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill boosts insurance benefits for barangay captains|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> which provide added benefits to barangay tanods and captains. *Senate Bill 260, which provides for special financial assistance for families or beneficiaries of police and military personnel, jail officers and firefighters killed or incapacitated in the line of duty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0803_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill expands special assistance to beneficiaries of uniformed personnel killed or wounded in duty|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> *Senate Bill 971, which provides guidelines on the selection of provincial commanders and city and town chiefs of police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0829_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill seeks to boost professionalization among PNP commanders|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> *Senate Bill 1052, which seeks to restore subpoena powers to the PNP's CIDG.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0905_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill boosts PNP investigation arm by restoring subpoena powers|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> This was signed into law as RA 10973.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/03/09/batas-na-cidg-subpoena-powers/|title=BATAS NA! Measure Restoring Subpoena Powers to PNP-CIDG Signed into Law|date=March 9, 2018|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 1310, which gives the Philippine National Police's Internal Affairs Service more teeth to curb abuses and further enhance discipline in the police agency.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0201_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill gives PNP's IAS more teeth vs erring cops|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

He filed bills seeking to streamline or update the operations of government agencies, including:

*Senate Bill 1470, which updates the charter of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to help it keep up with new variations of lotteries and make it more accountable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0601_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – PCSO gets new name, much-needed charter update vs graft via Lacson bill|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> *Senate Bill 1471, which addresses Pagcor's "conflicting" roles of regulating and operating gambling casinos by having the agency focus on regulating the industry and giving up its role as operator of such establishments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0602_lacson1.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson bill seeks to privatize Pagcor casinos|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

However, Lacson went after abusive law enforcers, including some rogue cops who took advantage of the government's anti-drug war. At a Senate hearing on January 28, 2017, Lacson showed a video of police officers in civilian clothing, appearing to plant evidence in an anti-drug operation – to stress his call for internal cleansing in the PNP.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/01/27/video-police-evidence-planting-senate.html|title=Caught on video: Police allegedly planting evidence during raid|work=CNN Philippines|access-date=July 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624064954/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/01/27/video-police-evidence-planting-senate.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 18th Congress, Lacson filed Senate Bill 23,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/02/pingbills-lacsons-brave-bill-empowers-lgus-to-achieve-inclusive-growth/|title=Lacson's BRAVE Bill Empowers LGUs to Achieve Inclusive Growth|website=senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> the Budget Reform for Village Empowerment Act of 2016. The bill seeks to give local government units an active role in nation building by providing them with funding for development projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/0702_lacson3.asp|title=Press Release – Lacson's BRAVE Bill Empowers LGUs to Achieve Inclusive Growth|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

Lacson re-filed in the 18th Congress his bills on anti-terrorism (Senate Bill 21)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/02/pingbills-govt-gets-more-teeth-vs-terrorism-with-lacson-bill/|title=PingBills {{!}} Gov't Gets More Teeth vs Terrorism with Lacson Bill|date=July 2, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> and anti-wiretapping (Senate Bill 22).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/02/pingbills-lacson-bill-updates-expands-anti-wiretapping-law/|title=PingBills {{!}} Lacson Bill Updates, Expands Anti-Wiretapping Law|date=July 2, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref> Of the two, the Anti-Terrorism bill became part of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3, 2020.<ref name="ReferenceD">{{Cite web|date=July 3, 2020|title=Read: RA 11479, The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/07/03/read-ra-11479-the-anti-terrorism-act-of-2020/|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US}}</ref> Other bills Lacson re-filed included:

*Senate Bill 24, which encourages people's participation in deliberations on the national budget to prevent pork.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/03/pingbills-preventing-pork-lacson-bill-encourages-public-participation-in-budget-process/|title=PingBills {{!}} Preventing Pork: Lacson Bill Encourages Public Participation in Budget Process|date=July 3, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 25, which requires registration of prepaid SIM cards to prevent scams and crimes involving identity theft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/03/pingbills-to-stop-tapon-sim-scams-crimes-lacson-files-bill-requiring-prepaid-sim-card-registration/|title=PingBills {{!}} To Stop 'Tapon-SIM' Scams, Crimes: Lacson Files Bill Requiring Prepaid SIM Card Registration|date=July 3, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 26, which excludes government employees, including the President, from protection of the Philippine Bank Secrecy Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/03/pingbills-nowhere-to-hide-lacson-bill-removes-bank-secrecy-act-protection-for-govt-officials-employees/|title=PingBills {{!}} Nowhere to Hide: Lacson Bill Removes Bank Secrecy Act Protection for Gov't Officials, Employees|last=says|first=Pil|date=July 3, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 27, which reimposes the death penalty on heinous crimes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/04/pingbills-senate-bill-27-an-act-reinstituting-the-death-penalty-in-the-philippines/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 27, An Act Reinstituting the Death Penalty in the Philippines|date=July 4, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 28, which imposes heavier penalties on false testimonies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/04/pingbills-senate-bill-28-imposing-heavier-penalties-on-lying-witnesses/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 28, Imposing Heavier Penalties on Lying Witnesses|last=says|first=Pil Dayot|date=July 4, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 29, which assures that parents who enter their twilight years will get support from their children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/04/pingbills-senate-bill-29-parents-welfare-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 29, Parents Welfare Act of 2019|date=July 4, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 30, the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/04/pingbills-senate-bill-30-the-anti-political-dynasty-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 30, The Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2019|date=July 4, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 246, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-246-real-property-valuation-and-assessment-reform-act/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 246, Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 247, the Anti-Contraband in Prison Act of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-247-anti-contraband-in-prison-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 247, Anti-Contraband in Prison Act of 2019|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 248, Whistleblower Act of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-248-whistleblower-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 248, Whistleblower Act of 2019|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 249, The National Defense Act of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-249-the-national-defense-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 249, The National Defense Act of 2019|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 250, The Land Administration Reform Act of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-250-the-land-administration-reform-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 250, The Land Administration Reform Act of 2019|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 251, The Local Government Units' Income Classification Act of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-251-the-local-government-units-income-classification-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 251, The Local Government Units' Income Classification Act of 2019|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 252, Additional Barangay Captains' Insurance Act of 2019.<ref name="pinglacson.net">{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-252-additional-barangay-captains-insurance-act-of-2019/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 252/253, Upgrading Barangay Captains and Tanods' Benefits|date=July 19, 2019|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 253, Upgrading the Benefits and Incentives of Barangay Tanods.<ref name="pinglacson.net"/> *Senate Bill 254, An Act Establishing the PAF Academy and Appropriating Funds Therefor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-254-an-act-establishing-the-paf-academy-and-appropriating-funds-therefor/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 254, An Act Establishing the PAF Academy and Appropriating Funds Therefor|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> *Senate Bill 255, Exemptions in Requirements for Conversion of a Municipality into a Component City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/19/pingbills-senate-bill-255-exemptions-in-requirements-for-conversion-of-a-municipality-into-a-component-city/|title=PingBills {{!}} Senate Bill 255, Exemptions in Requirements for Conversion of a Municipality into a Component City|date=July 19, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref>

== 2022 presidential campaign == {{main|Panfilo Lacson 2022 presidential campaign}}

On September 8, 2021, Lacson and Tito Sotto launched their bid for president<ref>{{Cite web |title=TALUMPATI NI SENADOR PING LACSON Paghahayag ng Kandidatura sa Pagka-Pangulo Setyembre 8, 2021 |url=https://pinglacson.net/2021/09/08/ito-ang-simula-candidacy-speeches-of-sen-ping-lacson-and-senate-president-tito-sotto/ |access-date=September 8, 2021 |website=pinglacson.net |language=en}}</ref> and vice president<ref>{{Cite web |title=TALUMPATI NI SENATE PRESIDENT TITO SOTTO Paghahayag ng Kandidatura sa Pagka-Pangalawang Pangulo Setyempre 8, 2021 |url=https://pinglacson.net/2021/09/08/ito-ang-simula-candidacy-speeches-of-sen-ping-lacson-and-senate-president-tito-sotto/ |access-date=September 8, 2021 |website=pinglacson.net |date=September 8, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> respectively, for the 2022 Philippine national election. Lacson and Sotto vowed to provide a stronger response to the pandemic,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ramos|first=Christia Marie|date=September 8, 2021|title=Lacson-Sotto tandem's top priority? A 'stronger' pandemic response|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1485120/lacson-sotto-tandems-top-priority-a-stronger-pandemic-response|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}</ref> and vowed to restore public trust in the government.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lalu|first=Gabriel Pabico|date=September 8, 2021|title=Lacson, Sotto, vow to restore Filipinos' trust in the government|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1485121/lacson-sotto-vow-to-restore-filipinos-trust-in-the-government|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}</ref> Lacson is the first to declare his bid for the presidency.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 8, 2021|title=Philippine senator first to declare 2022 run for presidency|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-senator-first-declare-2022-run-presidency-2021-09-08/|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=Reuters|language=en}}</ref>

In late July 2021, Lacson became chairman of Partido Reporma,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lacson is New Chairman of Partido Reporma |url=https://pinglacson.net/2021/07/29/sen-ping-lacson-takes-oath-as-chairman-of-partido-reporma/ |access-date=September 8, 2021 |website=pinglacson.net |date=July 29, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> a political party founded by former Philippine defense secretary Renato de Villa. De Villa was Lacson's former superior in the Philippine Constabulary. This was shortly after Lacson and Sotto announced their plans to officially launch their candidacies for the 2022 Philippine presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1462129/lacson-to-run-for-president-in-2022-with-sotto-as-his-vice-president|title = Lacson to run for president in 2022 with Sotto as his vice president|newspaper = Philippine Daily Inquirer|date = July 20, 2021}}</ref> Sotto is chairman of the Nationalist People's Coalition. On October 6, 2021, Lacson and Sotto filed their certificates of candidacy for president<ref>{{Cite news |title=SPEECH OF SENATOR PING LACSON: Filing of Certificate of Candidacy for President |url=https://pinglacson.net/2021/10/06/sen-lacsons-speech-after-filing-of-coc-for-president/ |access-date=October 7, 2021 |newspaper=Ping Lacson |date=October 6, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> and vice president<ref>{{Cite news |title=SPEECH OF SENATE PRESIDENT TITO SOTTO: Filing of COC for Vice President |url=https://pinglacson.net/2021/10/06/sp-sottos-speech-after-filing-coc-for-vice-president/ |access-date=October 7, 2021 |newspaper=Ping Lacson |date=October 5, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> respectively with the Comelec.

On February 8, 2022, during his proclamation rally in his hometown of Imus, Cavite, Lacson stressed his platform will be based on uplifting the lives of Filipinos by fixing the ills of government and getting rid of thieves, especially those in the government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Ping |date=February 8, 2022 |title=SPEECH OF SENATOR PING LACSON: Lacson-Sotto Proclamation Rally |url=https://pinglacson.net/2022/02/08/speech-of-sen-lacson-at-the-lacson-sotto-proclamation-rally/}}</ref> Lacson said promoting transparency and stopping corruption will be his priority should he be elected. He said he would do this by enforcing discipline in the bureaucracy. Lacson said he will sign a waiver of his rights to the Bank Secrecy Law and encourage all government officials and employees to do the same.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=November 18, 2021|title=Lacson to Waive Bank Secrecy Rights on First Day of Presidency|url=https://pinglacson.net/article/lacson-to-waive-bank-secrecy-rights-on-first-day-of-presidency}}</ref> Lacson vowed to undertake a massive internal cleansing of the bureaucracy, going first after those with pending cases involving corruption and negligence.

He stressed as well a "Filipino first" policy, granting incentives to local industries for prioritizing local production and labor. The "Filipino first" policy extends to the agriculture sector and food security to protect Filipino farmers and fishermen. Lacson said it is unacceptable that the Philippines imports galunggong (fish) and vegetables that Filipino farmers are producing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=December 2, 2021|title=Revolting, Unacceptable! Lacson Scores Food Security Implications of Chinese Bullying at WPS|url=https://pinglacson.net/article/revolting-unacceptable-lacson-scores-food-security-implications-of-chinese-bullying-at-wps}}</ref>

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lacson said he and Sotto will maintain a disciplined campaign amid the pandemic, having their organizers and supporters observe health protocols.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=February 9, 2021|title=Ping Lacson Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1491218608126451716|access-date=February 9, 2022|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>

On March 24, 2022, after Partido Reporma switched its endorsement to Leni Robredo, he resigned from the party and became an independent candidate.<ref name="Tamayo">{{Cite news |last=Tamayo |first=Bernadette |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Lacson resigns as Partido Reporma chairman, to run as independent |work=The Manila Times |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/24/news/lacson-resigns-as-partido-reporma-chairman-to-run-as-independent/1837459 |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>

After his Senate term ended at noon of June 30, 2022, Lacson said he would retire but continue to help in food security<ref name="iampinglacson" /> through an agri-aqua venture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MannyPiñol |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02Q2HN3fuLTck3QtvFhtboVQrQme4c433Z3CfYAnqCnbHV6L8gMjhP3m7duskTJZ6wl&id=100044577333084 |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> He said this new chapter in his life involves seeking to boost Philippine agriculture by planting the protein-rich sorghum while engaging in small-scale feed mills, hatcheries and fish cage farming in Mindanao and Luzon. Through this, he said they hope to contribute to help make the Philippines food-sufficient while providing Filipino farmers with additional income outside the traditional rice planting season.<ref name="ReferenceB" />

== Senate of the Philippines (from 2025) == thumb|Lacson being proclaimed as a senator-elect on May 17, 2025

Lacson ran for the Senate in the 2025 elections as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Ping |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Ping Lacson: Independent Candidate |url=https://pinglacson.net/2024/09/27/ping-lacson-independent-candidate/ |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=PingLacson.net}}</ref> He formalized his candidacy by filing his certificate of candidacy before the COMELEC on October 2, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mangaluz |first=Jean |title=Ping Lacson seeks Senate comeback |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/10/02/2389127/ping-lacson-seeks-senate-comeback |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> On September 26, 2024, Lacson was endorsed by President Bongbong Marcos at a political event in Pasay.<ref name="inquirer_1987165">{{Cite web |last=Sarao |first=Zacarian |date=2024-09-26 |title=Marcos bares 12 admin senatorial bets for 2025 polls |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1987165/marcos-bares-12-admin-senatorial-bets-for-2025-polls |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Inquirer.net |language=en}}</ref> Also endorsed were reelectionist senators Imee Marcos, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino and Bong Revilla; former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos; Makati Mayor Abby Binay; ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo; Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar; former senators Manny Pacquiao and Tito Sotto. They would all run under the senatorial slate of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas <ref name="inquirer_1987165"/>

Lacson pointed out that he is running as an independent, not being a member of any political party. In a statement, he said he is a guest candidate of the Nationalist People's Coalition, one of five major political parties in an alliance with the administration Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Ping |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Ping Lacson: Independent Candidate |url=https://pinglacson.net/2024/09/27/ping-lacson-independent-candidate/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Ping Lacson}}</ref> thumb|271x271px|Lacson's Commission on Appointments portrait for the 20th Congress Based on the Comelec's official tally of the senatorial race, Lacson placed seventh with 15.1 million votes and was projected to win a fourth term as senator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comelec releases final senatorial ranking in the 2025 elections |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/05/16/2443547/list-final-senatorial-ranking-2025-elections |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> Lacson was formally proclaimed by COMELEC Chairman George Garcia as a winning candidate on May 17, 2025, and will return to the Senate on June 30, 2025.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0zblvdiXds |title=May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections Proclamation of Senators-Elect |date=2025-05-16 |publisher=COMELEC |access-date=2025-05-17 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

Lacson took his oath of office at the Supreme Court on June 26, four days before his term starts on June 30.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2025 |title=DWIZ: Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson takes his oath of office as a Senator of the 20th Congress before Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo at the Supreme Court in Manila on Thursday, June 26. |url=https://twitter.com/dwiz882/status/1938118528143638713}}</ref>

On July 30, Lacson was named as chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation.<ref>{{Cite news | publisher=Senate of the Philippines |title=20th Congress Committee Chairmanship |url=https://web.senate.gov.ph/committee/20thctte_chairmanship.pdf |access-date=July 30, 2025}}</ref> He said he would immediately schedule hearings on a proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Office of Sen Ping |date=2025-07-30 |title=Lacson Accepts Electoral Reforms Committee Chairmanship, to Pursue Passage of Anti-Political Dynasty Bill |url=https://pinglacson.net/2025/07/30/lacson-accepts-electoral-reforms-committee-chairmanship-to-pursue-passage-of-anti-political-dynasty-bill/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=PING LACSON |language=en-US}}</ref>

On Aug. 11, 2025, Lacson was named a member of the Senate Committees on Justice and Human Rights,<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=senatePH | author = Senate of the Philippines |title = Justice & Human Rights | number = 1954834886625296792}}</ref> and Higher, Technical and Vocational Education.<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=senatePH | author = Senate of the Philippines |title= Higher, Technical & Vocational Education |number = 1954834837967077720}}</ref>

On Aug. 19, 2025, Lacson was elected to the Senate Electoral Tribunal.<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=senatePH | author = Senate of the Philippines |title = The Senate elects the following senators to the Senate Electoral Tribunal | number = 1957716786599919903}}</ref> He was also elected as a member of the Senate Committees on Public Works,<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=senatePH | author = Senate of the Philippines |title = The Senate elects the following members of the Committee on Public Works | number = 1957717231607116252}}</ref> and Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=senatePH | author = Senate of the Philippines |title = The Senate elects the following members of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change: 2/2 | number = 1957717086597488837}}</ref>

On September 8, 2025, Lacson was elected as the Senate President Pro Tempore as part of a leadership change in the Senate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=(DZRH) |first=The Situation Report |date=September 8, 2025 |title=PING LACSON ELECTED AS SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE |url=https://twitter.com/TheSitRepPH/status/1964961071820923287 |access-date=September 8, 2025}}</ref>

On September 23, 2025, Lacson was named the chairman of the Senate accounts committee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=GISELLE OMBAY, GMA Integrated |date=2025-09-23 |title=Ping Lacson is new Senate accounts panel chair |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/960078/ping-lacson-is-new-senate-accounts-panel-chair/story/ |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>

On November 11, 2025, Lacson was reelected as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2025 |title=The chamber reelects Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson as chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee. |url=https://x.com/senatePH/status/1988143435354918997 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=GISELLE OMBAY, GMA Integrated |date=2025-11-11 |title=Lacson is Blue Ribbon panel chairman anew |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/965690/lacson-blue-ribbon/story/ |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>

==Political positions== ===Anti-pork advocacy=== On March 11, 2003, Lacson delivered a privilege speech titled "Living Without Pork," where he began his crusade to abolish the pork barrel system. He pointed out that the pork barrel, no matter its name (Countrywide Development Fund or Priority Development Assistance Fund), is nothing but a “fund of compulsive corruption,” where even infrastructure billboards are overpriced, and legislators who allocate funds for medicines and school supplies get even larger kickbacks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 11, 2003 |title=Living Without Pork (Privilege speech) |url=https://pinglacson.net/2003/03/11/living-without-pork/}}</ref> However, even after the Supreme Court declared the pork barrel unconstitutional in 2013, Lacson noted it is still very much alive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=By |date=2015-08-05 |title=Amid Palace denials, Lacson claims pork barrel system still 'alive and kicking' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/531722/amid-palace-denials-lacson-claims-pork-barrel-system-still-alive-and-kicking/story/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>

In late 2016, Lacson discovered and moved to take out some P8.3 billion in "pork-like" insertions made by the House of Representatives. Lacson noted that House members were allowed to identify P80 million worth of projects before the submission of the 2017 National Expenditure Program to Congress for deliberations – the pork barrel system already declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/12/01/1649240/senate-removes-p8.3-b-pork-dpwh-budget|title=Senate removes P8.3-B 'pork' from DPWH budget|last=Sy|first=Marvin|work=The Philippine Star|access-date=July 10, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202101451/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/12/01/1649240/senate-removes-p8.3-b-pork-dpwh-budget|archive-date=December 2, 2016}}</ref> This prompted the Senate to realign P8.3 billion in the proposed 2017 national budget to cover tuition of students in state colleges and universities.

For the 2019 budget, Lacson raised questions about the post-ratification tweaks made by the House leadership to the spending bill, saying that this would violate the 1987 Constitution's Art. VI, Sec. 26, Paragraph 2: "Upon the last reading of a bill, no amendment thereto SHALL be allowed." He also noted P72.319 billion was slashed from the DPWH's MFO 1 and 2, which covers the Duterte administration's "Build Build Build" program. The projects under the MFO (Major Final Output) had already been planned and vetted.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

Meanwhile, in the proposed 2020 budget, Lacson cited information from some House members regarding a plan to give each district P700 million, and each of 22 deputy Speakers P1.5 billion. The plan was eventually scrapped.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/260136/plan-to-give-p1-5-billion-to-each-house-deputy-scrapped-lacson|title=Plan to give P1.5 billion to each House deputy scrapped – Lacson|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref> Lacson's revelations prompted some House members to demand an apology from Lacson,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/09/25/19/solons-blast-lacson-demand-apology-over-claims-of-pork-in-proposed-2020-natl-budget|title=Solons blast Lacson, demand apology over claims of pork in proposed 2020 nat'l budget|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref> but Lacson said there is nothing to apologize for, as he is guarding the budget.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1169471/lacson-stands-firm-spurns-solons-call-for-apology-over-pork-claims|title=Lacson stands firm, spurns solon's call for apology over 'pork' claims|last=Ager|first=Maila|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref> House members demanded that he named his sources, but Lacson refused,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1169639/lacson-reason-why-i-get-more-info-than-others-discipline-to-protect-sources|title=Lacson: Reason why I get more info than others? Discipline to protect sources|last=Mercado|first=Neil Arwin|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref> saying that he gets more information because he protects his sources.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1176845779438202880|title=Probably one reason why I get more information than the others is my discipline to protect my sources no matter what. And some pathetic congressmen want me to reveal my sources?|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=September 25, 2019|website=@iampinglacson|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref> Lacson said that such complaints will not distract him from scrutinizing the 2020 budget bill.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/09/25/on-the-whining-and-howling-over-pork/|title=On the Whining and Howling over 'Pork'|last=says|first=Eleazar Diaz|date=September 25, 2019|newspaper=Ping Lacson|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref>

=== Failed and Ghost Flood Control Projects === On July 25, 2025, Lacson posted on X that while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has spent an estimated P2 trillion for flood management for the past 15 years – or P350 million a day, the flooding problem still persists.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lacson |first=Ping |title=Ping Lacson on X/Twitter |url=https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/1948614818216509481}}</ref> He added half of the P2 trillion may have been lost to corruption.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Office of Sen Ping |date=2025-07-27 |title=Ping Lacson: Half of P2-Trillion Flood Control Allocations May Have Been Lost to Corruption |url=https://pinglacson.net/2025/07/27/ping-lacson-half-of-p2-trillion-flood-control-allocations-may-have-been-lost-to-corruption/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=PING LACSON |language=en-US}}</ref> Lacson called for a long-term, integrated master planning for flood control,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-26 |title=Ping Lacson Presses Long-Term, Integrated Master Planning for Flood Control |url=https://pinglacson.net/2025/07/26/ping-lacson-presses-long-term-integrated-master-planning-for-flood-control/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730012626/https://pinglacson.net/2025/07/26/ping-lacson-presses-long-term-integrated-master-planning-for-flood-control/ |archive-date=2025-07-30 |access-date=2025-08-20 |work=PING LACSON |language=en-US}}</ref> as well as certainty of punishment against those involved in the botched flood control programs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Office of Sen Ping |date=2025-07-30 |title=Lacson Pushes Certainty of Punishment on Contractors, Gov't Accomplices in Failed and Ghost Flood Control Projects |url=https://pinglacson.net/2025/07/30/lacson-pushes-certainty-of-punishment-on-contractors-govt-accomplices-in-failed-and-ghost-flood-control-projects/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Ping Lacson |language=en-US}}</ref>

On August 20, 2025, Lacson delivered a privilege speech titled "Flooded Gates of Corruption," where he detailed the greed behind the corruption that led to substandard, failed and ghost flood control projects in several parts of the country, and called for "greed control" to address the problem.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Office of Sen Ping |date=2025-08-20 |title=Flooded Gates of Corruption: Privilege Speech on Flood Control Projects |url=https://pinglacson.net/2025/08/20/flooded-gates-of-corruption-privilege-speech-on-flood-control-projects/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Ping Lacson |language=en-US}}</ref>

In his privilege speech, Lacson detailed various bribes that deducted from a project's costs, with only 40 percent of the cost actually going to the project - thus forcing contractors to use substandard materials or work.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Torregoza |first=Hannah |date=August 20, 2025 |title='40 percent only': Lacson cites evident pattern of 'nasty' distribution of public funds in ghost flood control projects |url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/20/40-percent-only-lacson-cites-evident-pattern-of-nasty-distribution-of-public-funds-in-ghost-flood-control-projects}}</ref> He tagged Bulacan as one of the most notorious areas where such flood control projects are located.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Santos |first1=Eimor |last2=Plus |first2=NewsWatch |title=Lacson bares substandard, ghost flood control projects in Luzon, tags Bulacan 'most notorious' |url=https://www.newswatchplus.ph/news/2025/8/20/lacson-bares-substandard-ghost-flood-control-projects.html |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=cnn |language=en}}</ref> Politicians get a lion's share of the kickbacks from such projects in collusion with contractors and corrupt public works officials, he added.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cayabyab |first=Marc Jayson |title=Ping: Pols get lion's share of flood control kickbacks |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/21/2466987/ping-pols-get-lions-share-flood-control-kickbacks |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> At least one member of the House of Representatives, Oriental Mindoro's 1st congressional district Rep. Arnan Panaligan, figured in Lacson's privilege speech. Panaligan denied involvement in the questionable flood projects.<ref>{{Cite web | first1 = Giselle | last1 = Ombay | first2 = Tina | last2 = Panganiban-Perez |date=2025-08-20 |title=House member's name comes up in Lacson's speech vs. tainted flood control projects |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/956508/ping-lacson-arnan-panaligan-oriental-mindoro-flood-control/story/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>

===Capital punishment=== Lacson had been pushing for the restoration of the death penalty, filing a bill seeking to "re-impose the death penalty on certain heinous crimes" in 2019. After he entered the presidential race in the upcoming 2022 presidential election, however, he reversed his decision on the issue after watching the film ''The Life of David Gale''. As a presidential aspirant, Lacson vowed to retract the death penalty bill he filed before the Senate "if it's still there", arguing that "it is more important to save the life of someone innocent and convicted than to execute someone who is really convicted and proven to have committed a crime".<ref>{{cite web |last=Perez-Rubio |first=Bella |title=Lacson, Sotto reverse long-standing support for death penalty |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/11/04/2139033/lacson-sotto-reverse-long-standing-support-death-penalty |website=Philstar.com |date=November 5, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2021}}</ref>

===Exposing "Tara (payoffs)" system at the Bureau of Customs=== On August 23, 2017, Lacson delivered a privilege speech at the Senate, where he narrated details of corruption at the Bureau of Customs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT6kg00BgFc|title=Privilege Speech: Kita-Kita (sa Customs)|date=August 23, 2017|work=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|access-date=September 28, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> This led to former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon being cited for contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee after he refused to testify in the probe on illegal drugs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/09/07/Senate-cites-Faeldon-in-contempt-skipping-illegal-drugs-probe.html|title=Senate cites Faeldon in contempt for skipping probe on illegal drugs|work=CNN Philippines|access-date=September 28, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928214142/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/09/07/Senate-cites-Faeldon-in-contempt-skipping-illegal-drugs-probe.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On September 28, Lacson filed charges against Faeldon and several others before the Office of the Ombudsman over rice smuggling in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2017/09/28/first-of-many-cases-lacson-hales-faeldon-and-company-before-ombudsman-over-rice-smuggling/|title=First of many cases: Lacson hales Faeldon and company before Ombudsman over rice smuggling|date=September 28, 2017|work=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|access-date=September 28, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Detailing "Conflict of Interest" at the DOH, PhilHealth=== In a privilege speech on July 29, 2019, Lacson detailed how the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) was spending beyond its means while its higher-ups "seem to turn a blind eye." He said this was due partly to the new reimbursement rates where PhilHealth "pays per case and not by actual expenses."<ref name="says">{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/29/philwealth-and-department-of-wealth/|title=PhilWealth and Department of Wealth| first=Jonathan | last = Clavacio|date=July 29, 2019|website=Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson |language=en-US|access-date=July 31, 2019}}</ref>

Lacson also bared WellMed, a company suspended for making fake benefit claims, was still receiving payments from PhilHealth.<ref name="says"/>

Also, Lacson said the family of Health Secretary and ex-officio PhilHealth chairman Francisco Duque III had entered into a lease agreement with PhilHealth's Region 1 office where the agency rented the building owned by the Duque family's EMDC in Dagupan City. Lacson said a General Information Sheet of EMDC showed Secretary Duque was among the stockholders of the company, thus indicating a conflict of interest.

In addition, Lacson said Doctors Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company owned by Secretary Duque's relatives, bids for government contracts with the DOH. The company was found in 2015 by the Food and Drug Administration to have manufactured for other companies, and was given a cease-and-desist order in June 2015. The FDA also ordered the recall of all drug products, but a tip that prompted an FDA inspection showed the firm was still operating. The FDA also found non-conformance with Good Manufacturing Practice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/07/30/a-closer-look-doctors-pharmaceuticals-inc/|title=A Closer Look: Doctors Pharmaceuticals, Inc.|date=July 30, 2019|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=July 31, 2019}}</ref>

The revelations triggered separate investigations by Malacanang and the Senate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1148202/trusted-duque-faces-palace-senate-probes|title='Trusted' Duque faces Palace, Senate probes|last=Salaverria|first=Leila B.|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en|access-date=July 31, 2019}}</ref> Malacanang said that while Secretary Duque, who denied the allegations, still enjoys President Rodrigo Duterte's trust, it will not stop him from attending the congressional investigations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/31/palace-wont-stop-duque-from-attending-congressional-probe|title=Palace won't stop Duque from attending congressional probe|work=Manila Bulletin|language=en-US|access-date=July 31, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==="Designated Survivor" Bill to ensure the order of presidential succession=== On August 28, 2019, Lacson filed Senate Bill 982, an "Act Prescribing the Order of Presidential Succession."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/08/29/pingbills-lacson-files-designated-survivor-bill-to-ensure-govt-stability/|title=PingBills {{!}} Lacson Files 'Designated Survivor' Bill to Ensure Gov't Stability|date=August 29, 2019|website=Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson |language=en-US|access-date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> The bill was also known as the "Designated Survivor" bill due to its similarity to the US and Korean shows that featured a designated official being kept in a safe, remote area to act as president should the President and his/her successors be killed or incapacitated in a terrorist attack or major calamity. Lacson confirmed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/08/29/pingsays-on-the-designated-survivor-bill-release-of-chinese-drug-lords-aug-29-2019/|title=#PingSays: On the 'Designated Survivor' Bill; Release of Chinese drug lords |date=August 29, 2019|website=Ping Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> he drew inspiration from the Netflix show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/78952/designated-survivor-bill-lacson-show-a4362-20190829|title=Yes, the "Designated Survivor" Bill Was Inspired By the Show| first=Mia | last = Rodriguez |website=SPOT.PH|language=en| date=August 29, 2019}}</ref>

===Proposed Philippine Building Act=== In the wake of recent quakes that hit Mindanao, Lacson filed Senate Bill 1239, updating the 1977 National Building Code. "Experience tells us that there is an urgent need to strengthen the overall policy on how buildings and structures are built in the country. Not to mention the country's geographical location along the boundary of major tectonic plates and at the center of the typhoon belt, coupled by its socially and economically vulnerable population, it becomes even more imperative to review our four-decade-old National Building Code," Lacson said.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/12/22/for-disaster-resiliency-lacson-bill-strengthens-building-safety-standards/|title=PingBills {{!}} For Disaster Resiliency: Lacson Bill Strengthens Building Safety Standards|date=December 22, 2019|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=January 10, 2020}}</ref>

===R&D advocacy=== Lacson pushed for bigger state investments in research and development, which he noted accounts for only 0.4 percent of the national budget from 2016 to 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/02/02/malaking-maitutulong-lacson-pushes-bigger-state-investment-in-r-d-for-disaster-preparedness/|title=Malaking Maitutulong: Lacson Pushes Bigger State Investment in R & D for Disaster Preparedness|date=February 2, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=March 16, 2020}}</ref> To remedy this, he proposed increases in the R&D budget of the Department of Science and Technology, including a P250M increase for the Office of the Secretary; P50M increase for the Science for Change Program: Niche Center in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER); P100M for the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space); and P100M for the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) program.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/12/04/in-the-spirit-of-transparency-lacson-details-proposed-institutional-amendments-in-2020-budget/|title=In the Spirit of Transparency: Lacson Details Proposed Institutional Amendments in 2020 Budget|date=December 4, 2019|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=March 16, 2020}}</ref>

He reiterated the importance of research and development in March 2020, amid government preparations to deal with the COVID-19 threat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/03/11/more-budget-for-rd-pushed-amid-covid-19-threat/|title=More Budget for R&D Pushed Amid COVID-19 Threat|date=March 11, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US|access-date=March 16, 2020}}</ref>

Lacson vowed a "historic increase" of budget infusion for research and development efforts should he be elected president.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lacson|first=Ping|date=October 30, 2021|title=Economic Reforms in the New Frontier: Meet the Presidentiables|url=https://pinglacson.net/article/economic-reforms-in-the-new-frontier-meet-the-presidentiables}}</ref>

===Anti-Terrorism Law=== Lacson is one of the authors and the sponsor in the Senate of what is now Republic Act 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,<ref name="ReferenceD"/> signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Duterte signs anti-terror bill into law|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/duterte-signs-anti-terror-bill-into-law/ar-BB16i5oz?li=BBr8Mkn|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=www.msn.com}}</ref> The law replaces the Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372),<ref>{{Cite web|title=University of Minnesota Human Rights Library|url=http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/Philippines/RA_9372.html|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=hrlibrary.umn.edu}}</ref> which he noted became a dead-letter law as some of its provisions – including a P500,000 daily penalty for the wrongful detention of a suspected terrorist – discouraged law enforcers from using it to charge suspected terrorists. In more than 10 years in effect, the 2007 law resulted in just one conviction and just one proscribed terrorist organization such as the Abu Sayyaf Group, he added.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moaje |first1=Marita |title=Lacson, Esperon cite weaknesses of Human Security Act |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106241 |access-date=July 30, 2020 |work=Philippine News Agency|date=June 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712232541/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106241 |archive-date=July 12, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 4, 2020|title=To Protect, Not Destroy: Countering the Massive Disinformation Campaign Against the Anti-Terrorism Bill|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/06/04/to-protect-not-destroy-countering-the-massive-disinformation-campaign-against-the-anti-terrorism-bill/|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US}}</ref>

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 fills the gaps in the 2007 law by making punishable inchoate offenses – Section 6 penalizes planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism – as well as providing the mechanism allowing the freezing of assets used to finance terrorism,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=June 26, 2020|title=Lacson: Anti-Terror Bill of 2020 Could Have Prevented Marawi Siege|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/06/26/lacson-anti-terror-bill-could-have-prevented-marawi-siege/|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US}}</ref> but does not cover protests, mass actions and other actions covered in the Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1987 Philippine Constitution – The LawPhil Project|url=https://lawphil.net/consti/cons1987.html|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=The LawPhil Project}}</ref>

In addressing claims the law could allow abuse, Lacson said there are safeguards such as 10-year jail terms and perpetual disqualification from public office for law enforcers who fail to comply with the requirement to report the arrest of a suspected terrorist to the nearest court and to the Commission on Human Rights.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite news|date=June 14, 2020|title=Lacson Ready to Join Street Protests if Anti-Terrorism Measure Abused|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/06/14/lacson-ready-to-join-street-protests-if-anti-terrorism-measure-abused/|access-date=July 5, 2020|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US}}</ref> As such, he pointed out the law is "swift, effective and constitutional".<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 16, 2020|title=Lacson Rectifies IBP Misconceptions: Anti-Terrorism Bill Swift, Effective, Constitutional|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/06/16/lacson-rectifies-ibp-misconceptions-anti-terrorism-bill-swift-effective-constitutional/|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Legislative record== ===Free irrigation law for farmers (Republic Act No. 10969)=== Shortly after assuming his Senate post in 2016, Lacson filed a bill providing free irrigation for farmers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-43|title=17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 43 – Senate of the Philippines|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=February 13, 2018}}</ref> The bill was consolidated in Senate Bill 1465, which along with House Bill 5670 were the basis for Republic Act 10969<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines/status/961803199119212544|title=President Duterte signs RA 10969, which provides free irrigation service to farmers|last=Philippines|first=C. N. N.|date=February 8, 2018|website=@cnnphilippines|language=en|access-date=February 13, 2018}}</ref> – the Free Irrigation Service Act – which President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law on February 2, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/02/09/rodrigo-duterte-free-irrigation-ra-10969.html|title=Duterte signs law giving free irrigation service to small farmers|work=CNN Philippines|access-date=February 13, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213135058/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/02/09/rodrigo-duterte-free-irrigation-ra-10969.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Anti-hazing law (Republic Act No. 11053)=== Lacson chaired a Senate committee investigation into the fatal hazing of law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo III in September 2017. The probe found indications of a cover-up attempt via Facebook chat<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2017/10/18/at-a-glance-social-media-chat-among-members-of-the-aegis-juris-fraternity-regarding-the-death-of-atio-castillo-iii/|title=At a Glance: Social media chat among members of the Aegis Juris fraternity, regarding the death of 'Atio' Castillo III|date=October 18, 2017|work=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|access-date=February 13, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> by Aegis Jvris fraternity, the organization Castillo sought to join. The probe resulted in Senate Bill 1662,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-1662|title=17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 1662 – Senate of the Philippines|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=February 13, 2018}}</ref> which updated the existing Anti-Hazing Act of 1995 by imposing heavier penalties on hazing. The bill passed third and final reading in the Senate on February 12, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0212_prib1.asp|title=Press Release – PRIB: Senate passes Lacson-sponsored anti-hazing bill|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=February 13, 2018}}</ref> It also passed the bicameral conference committee on February 28, 2018. The bill finally became a law after President Rodrigo Duterte signed it on June 29, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/07/11/Law-ban-hazing-Duterte-Atio-Castillo.html|title=Duterte signs new law banning hazing|work=CNN Philippines|access-date=July 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712070452/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/07/11/Law-ban-hazing-Duterte-Atio-Castillo.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Under the new law, the definition of hazing was expanded to include "physical or psychological suffering, harm or injury inflicted on a recruit, member, neophyte, or applicant" as a prerequisite for admission or for continued membership in an organization. Banned under the law are "all forms of hazing" not only in fraternities, sororities or organizations in schools, but also those in communities and even businesses and uniformed service learning institutions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/07/11/lacson-sponsored-measure-providing-heavier-penalties-vs-hazing-deaths-signed-into-law/#more-10137|title=Lacson-Sponsored Measure Providing Heavier Penalties vs Hazing Signed into Law|date=July 11, 2018|work=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|access-date=July 12, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

The law also requires schools to be "more active and proactive" in regulating school-based initiation rites, with schools required to exercise reasonable supervision and take proactive steps to protect students from danger of participating in activities that will involve hazing. Penalties include imprisonment of up to 40 years and fines of up to PHP3 million.

===Anti-crime laws=== Lacson filed several anti-crime bills that were passed into law, including:

* Amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act to include casinos as covered persons. It was signed into law as Republic Act 10927.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2017/07/14/republic-act-no-10927/|title=Republic Act No. 10927|website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|access-date=March 24, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> Lacson also primarily authored Republic Act 9194, the Anti-Money Laundering Act. * Restoration of subpoena powers to the PNP-CIDG. The bill was signed into law as Republic Act 10973.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2018/03/01/republic-act-no-10973/|title=Republic Act No. 10973|website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|access-date=March 24, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> * A retirement and benefits system for the Office of the Ombudsman, which is part of what is now Republic Act 11059.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/joycebalancio/status/1031468572504076288|title=Joyce Balancio on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=August 20, 2018|language=en}}</ref> * Transferring the training of police recruits to the PNP, signed into law as Republic Act 11279.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/05/23/batas-na-lacson-bill-transferring-police-recruits-training-to-pnp-signed-into-law/|title=Batas Na! Lacson Bill Transferring Police Recruits' Training to PNP Signed into Law|date=May 23, 2019|website=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref>

===National ID law (Republic Act No. 11055)=== Lacson sponsored the bill seeking to establish a National ID system in the Philippines. In his sponsorship speech, Lacson said the National ID system seeks to harmonize, integrate and interconnect the "countless and redundant" government-issued ID cards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/03/12/sponsorship-speech-for-the-national-id-system-bill-march-12-2018/|title=Sponsorship Speech for the Philippine Identification System (National ID) Bill|date=March 12, 2018|work=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|access-date=March 26, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> The proposed measure – Senate Bill 1738 – was approved in the Senate with a vote of 17–2 on March 19, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0319_prib1.asp|title=Press Release – PRIB: Senate OKs Lacson bill on national ID system|website=www.senate.gov.ph|access-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref>

On August 6, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the National ID measure into law, as Republic Act 11055.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pcoogov/videos/521199985006147/|title=Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=August 6, 2018}}</ref> Lacson, the principal sponsor of the measure and a perennial author since 2001, expressed thanks to Duterte, as it was under his term that the national ID system saw the light of day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/08/06/batas-na-lacson-expects-national-id-system-to-speed-up-transactions-deter-crime/|title=Batas Na! Lacson Expects National ID System to Speed Up Transactions, Deter Crime|date=August 6, 2018|work=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|access-date=August 6, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

===PNP rank classification law (Republic Act 11200)=== On February 8, 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11200, which provides for a rank classification in the Philippine National Police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2019/02/08/republic-act-no-11200/|title=Republic Act No. 11200|website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|language=en-US|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> Lacson said the new law, where he is the principal author<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/07/16/read-senate-bill-1869-an-act-providing-for-the-rank-classification-in-the-pnp/|title=Read: Senate Bill 1869, An Act Providing for the Rank Classification in the PNP|date=July 16, 2018|website=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> and sponsor,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2018/10/01/sponsorship-speech-committee-report-on-senate-bill-2031-rank-classification-in-the-pnp/|title=Sponsorship Speech: Committee Report on Senate Bill 2031 (Rank Classification in the PNP)|date=October 1, 2018|website=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> eliminates confusion on how PNP officers must be addressed, but more importantly, "allows for better coordination between the PNP and other law enforcement units in countering terrorism and other threats to national security." He added: "We cannot afford any delay in coordination in counter-terrorism operations and operations against other threats to national security."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/02/21/double-benefit-lacson-bill-on-pnp-rank-classification-signed-into-law/|title=Double Benefit: Lacson Bill on PNP Rank Classification Signed into Law|date=February 21, 2019|website=Panfilo "Ping" Lacson|language=en-US|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>

Under the new law, the PNP's rank classification shall be as follows: *Director-General to Police General *Deputy Director-General to Police Lieutenant General *Director to Police Major General *Chief Superintendent to Police Brigadier General *Senior Superintendent to Police Colonel *Superintendent to Police Lieutenant Colonel *Chief Inspector to Police Major *Senior Inspector to Police Captain *Inspector to Police Lieutenant *SPO4 to Police Executive Master Sergeant *SPO3 to Police Chief Master Sergeant *SPO2 to Police Senior Master Sergeant *SPO1 to Police Master Sergeant *PO3 to Police Staff Sergeant *PO2 to Police Corporal *PO1 to Patrolman/Patrolwoman

===Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479)=== Lacson sponsored in the Senate what is now the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479).<ref name="ReferenceD"/> In his sponsorship speech for the measure in October 2019, Lacson said the country needs "a legal framework for anti-terrorism that is clear, concise, balanced, and rational." He added the 2007 Human Security Act – which the 2020 anti-terror law replaced – had become a dead-letter law, with only one conviction in the more than 10 years it was in effect.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 2, 2019|title=Sponsorship Speech for the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019 (18th Congress)|url=https://pinglacson.net/2019/10/02/sponsorship-speech-for-the-anti-terrorism-act-of-2019-18th-congress/|access-date=July 5, 2020|newspaper=Ping Lacson|language=en-US}}</ref>

Also, Lacson pointed out the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 fills the gaps in the 2007 law by making punishable inchoate offenses – Section 6 penalizes planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism – as well as providing the mechanism allowing the freezing of assets used to finance terrorism.<ref name=":2" />

However, he stressed the law is not meant to stifle dissent as claimed by some groups, as Section 4 makes clear it does not cover advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, and other similar exercises of civil and political rights that are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety.<ref name="ReferenceD"/> Lacson said he is ready to closely monitor and call out potential abuses in the implementation of the law, adding he will not allow anyone to pervert the legislative intent of the measure that he had painstakingly sponsored on the Senate floor.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

He noted the bill had gone through the gauntlet in the legislative branch, with its provisions earning the nod of constitutionalists and legal heavyweights in both houses of Congress.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 14, 2020|title=Going All in on the Constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020|url=https://pinglacson.net/2020/06/14/going-all-in-on-the-constitutionality-of-the-anti-terrorism-act-of-2020/|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=PANFILO 'PING' LACSON|language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 2, 2022, Lacson reiterated that the CPP-NPA-NDF, which was designated not only by the government of the Republic of the Philippines but also by the European Union, the United States of America and four other countries (Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand) — "is unequivocally an enemy of the state." He also scored suggestions to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, saying this would be "a disrespect to our comrades-in-arms as well as the countless civilians who fell victims to the atrocities of this terrorist group that has lost its ideological principles over the years – they murder, they rob, they extort, they harass and intimidate and worse, indiscriminately."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-02 |title=On Senator Legarda's 'Stand' that the CPP-NDF is Not an Enemy of the State |url=https://pinglacson.net/2022/09/02/on-senator-legardas-stand-that-the-cpp-ndf-is-not-an-enemy-of-the-state/ |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=PING LACSON |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Easing conversion of municipalities into cities (Republic Act 11683)=== Lacson filed Senate Bill 255 in July 2019, seeking to ease the requirements for municipalities to become cities. The measure lapsed into law in April 2022 as Republic Act 11683. The law amends Section 450 of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, exempting a municipality from the land and population requirements if it generates at least P100 million for two consecutive years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Panfilo |date=May 1, 2022 |title=Lacson Bill Easing Requirements for Cityhood Becomes Law |url=https://pinglacson.net/article/lacson-bill-easing-requirements-for-cityhood-becomes-law |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=Ping Lacson: Restoring Trust}}</ref>

===Ending the revolving-door policy in the AFP (Republic Act 11705)=== Lacson co-authored and sponsored Senate Bill 2376, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law as Republic Act 11709.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Republic Act No. 11709 {{!}} GOVPH |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2022/04/13/republic-act-no-11709/ |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines |language=en-US}}</ref> The law provides fixed terms for the AFP Chief of Staff and other senior officers, among others, to ensure professionalism in the institution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lacson |first=Panfilo |date=May 17, 2022 |title=Law Ending 'Revolving-Door Policy' Caps Lacson Legacies to AFP, DND |work=Ping Lacson |url=https://pinglacson.net/article/law-fixing-chief-of-staff-officers-terms-of-office-caps-lacson-legacy-to-afp-dnd |access-date=May 17, 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Lacson was the principal author and sponsor of Senate Bill 2869 in the 15th Congress, which also sought to provide fixed terms for the AFP's chief of staff and major service commanders. However, it was vetoed by then President Benigno Aquino III at the time.

"Finally, we will see an end to the revolving-door policy in the AFP. The leaders of our AFP will have the opportunity to implement their legacy programs instead of staying in office too briefly," said Lacson, adding that "(t)he revolving-door policy has always been a disservice to the mandates of the military leadership entrusted with the security and defense of the country."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lacson |first=Ping |date=May 17, 2022 |title=Law Ending 'Revolving-Door Policy' Caps Lacson Legacies to AFP, DND |work=Ping Lacson |url=https://pinglacson.net/article/law-fixing-chief-of-staff-officers-terms-of-office-caps-lacson-legacy-to-afp-dnd |access-date=May 17, 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== Full list of laws === Lacson authored and co-authored 72 laws from the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th and 18th Congresses. These include:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Ping |title=PingBills |url=https://pinglacson.net/pingbills/ |website=PingLacson.net}}</ref>

'''''18th CONGRESS (23):'''''

'''Republic Act 11926:''' Willful and Indiscriminate Discharge of Firearms '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2501)'''

'''Republic Act 11913:''' An Act Declaring August 12 of Every Year as National Youth Day '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2503)'''

'''Republic Act 11897:''' An Act Declaring the Second Thursday of January of Every Year a Special Working Holiday to Be Known as “National Baptist Day” '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2522)'''

'''Republic Act 11862:''' Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2021 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2449)'''

'''Republic Act 11767:''' Foundling Recognition and Protection Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2233)'''

'''Republic Act 11709''': An Act Prescribing Fixed Terms for Key Officers of the AFP '''(sponsor and co-author; Senate Bill 2376)'''

'''Republic Act 11699:''' An Act Declaring Aug. 30 as National Press Freedom Day '''(co-author; Senate Bill 670)'''

'''Republic Act 11691:''' An Act Creating the Office of the Judiciary Marshals '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1947)'''

'''Republic Act 11683:''' Exemptions in Requirements for Conversion of a Municipality into a Component City '''(Senate Bill 255)'''

'''Republic Act 11643:''' An Act Granting Survivor Benefits of a Deceased Retired Member of the National Prosecution Service '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2373)'''

'''Republic Act 11641:''' An Act Creating the Department of Migrant Workers '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2234)'''

'''Republic Act 11594:''' Increasing the Penalties for Perjury '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1354)'''

'''Republic Act 11591:''' An Act Fixing the Last Day of the Registration of Voters for the 2022 Elections '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2408)'''

'''Republic Act 11549:''' PNP, BFP, BJMP and BuCor Height Equality Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1563)'''

'''Republic Act 11524:''' Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1396)'''

'''Republic Act 11517:''' Authorizing the President to Expedite the Processing and Issuance of National and Local Permits, Licenses and Certifications in Times of National Emergency '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1844)'''

'''Republic Act 11511:''' An Act Amending the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1318)'''

'''Republic Act 11510:''' Alternative Learning System Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1365)'''

'''Republic Act 11509:''' Doktor Para sa Bayan Act (Establishing a Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program for Deserving Students, and Appropriating Funds Therefor) '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1520)'''

'''Republic Act 11502:''' An Act Declaring October as National Cooperative Month '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1807)'''

'''Republic Act 11479:''' The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020

'''Republic Act 11476:''' GMRC and Values Education Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1224)'''

'''Republic Act 11469:''' Bayanihan to Heal As One Act '''(co-author)'''

'''''17th CONGRESS (15):'''''

'''Republic Act 11350:''' An Act Creating the National Commission of Senior Citizens '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2159)'''

'''Republic Act 11314:''' An Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation and for Other Purposes '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1597)'''

'''Republic Act 11279:''' Act Transferring the PNPA and NPTI (training of police recruits) from the PPSC to the PNP '''(Senate Bill 1898)'''

'''Republic Act 11262:''' An Act Amending Sec. 85 of the Tourism Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1616)'''

'''Republic Act 11232:''' An Act Providing for the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1280)'''

'''Republic Act 11228:''' An Act Providing for Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for Persons with Disability '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1391)'''

'''Republic Act 11215:''' An Act Institutionalizing a National Integrated Cancer Control Program '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1850)'''

'''Republic Act 11200:''' Rank Classification in the Philippine National Police '''(Senate Bill 2031)'''

'''Republic Act 11062:''' Converting the LTO Extension Office in Muntinlupa City into a Regular LTO District Office '''(Senate Bill 1651)'''

'''Republic Act 11059:''' Act Establishing a Retirement Benefit System in the Office of the Ombudsman '''(Senate Bill 1638)'''

'''Republic Act 11055:''' The Act Establishing a Philippine Identification System '''(Senate Bill 1738)'''

'''Republic Act 11053:''' The Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 '''(Senate Bill 1662)'''

'''Republic Act 10973:''' Restoring the Subpoena Powers of the PNP-CIDG '''(Senate Bill 1239)'''

'''Republic Act 10969:''' The Free Irrigation Law '''(Senate Bill 43)'''

'''Republic Act 10927:''' Amending the AMLA to Include Casinos as ‘Covered Persons’ '''(Senate Bill 45)'''

'''''15th''''' '''''CONGRESS (8):'''''

'''Republic Act 10591:''' An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms, Light Weapons and Ammunition '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3397)'''

'''Republic Act 10530:''' Red Cross and Other Emblems Act of 2012 '''(co-auhor; Senate Bill 3209)'''

'''Republic Act 10354:''' Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2865)'''

'''Republic Act 10351:''' Sin Tax Reform Act '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3299)'''

'''Republic Act 10349:''' AFP Modernization Act (authored key amendment)

'''Republic Act 10177:''' Act that Reapportioned Cotabato into 3 Legislative Districts

'''Republic Act 10167:''' An Act to Further Strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering Law '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3009)'''

'''Republic Act 10161:''' Act Converting Imus, Cavite from a Municipality into a city

'''''14th CONGRESS (17):'''''

'''Republic Act 10084:''' Survivorship Benefits Payment (for COA, CSC, Comelec, Ombudsman Deceased Retired Members) '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3567)'''

'''Republic Act 10073:''' Girl Scouts of the Philippines Charter of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3298)'''

'''Republic Act 10072:''' Philippine Red Cross Charter of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3285)'''

'''Republic Act 10071:''' An Act Strengthening and Rationalizing the National Prosecution Service '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2659)'''

'''Republic Act 10055:''' Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3416)'''

'''Republic Act 10024:''' Philippine Respiratory Therapy Act of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3499)'''

'''Republic Act 9997:''' National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3482)'''

'''Republic Act 9994:''' Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3561)'''

'''Republic Act 9993:''' Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3389)'''

'''Republic Act 9828:''' An Act Creating the Military Service Board '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3240)'''

'''Republic Act 9710:''' Magna Carta of Women of 2008 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2396)'''

'''Republic Act 9708:''' Education Requirements for Promotion in the Philippine National Police '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3015)'''

'''Republic Act 9679:''' An Act Further Strengthening the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2971)'''

'''Republic Act 9648:''' Documentary Stamp Tax Exempt on Sale, Barter or Exchange of Shares of Stock '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3203)'''

'''Republic Act 9646:''' Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2963)'''

'''Republic Act 9592:''' Qualification Standards in the Appointment of Uniformed Personnel to the BFP and BJMP '''(co-author; Senate Bill 3085)'''

'''Republic Act 9500:''' University of the Philippines Charter of 2007 '''(co-author; Senate Bill 1964)'''

'''''13th CONGRESS (4):'''''

'''Republic Act 9485:''' The Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007

'''Republic Act 9484:''' The Philippine Dental Act of 2007

'''Republic Act 9416:''' The Anti-Cheating Act of 2007

'''Republic Act 9347:''' An Act Rationalizing the Composition and Functions of the National Labor Relations Commission '''(co-author; Senate Bill 2035)'''

'''''12th CONGRESS (5):'''''

'''Republic Act 9208:''' Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003

'''Republic Act 9166:''' An Act Increasing the Base Pay of the Members of the AFP

'''Republic Act 9165:''' The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

'''Republic Act 9163:''' National Service Training Program Act of 2001

'''Republic Act 9160''' as amended by '''Republic Act 9194:''' The Anti-Money Laundering Act *

==Personal life== Lacson is married to Alice de Perio, and he has four children, including his son Panfilo "Pampi" Lacson Jr., who has a son with actress and former wife Jodi Sta. Maria, and a daughter with model Iwa Moto. Lacson resides in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eleksyon 2025: Candidate's Profile: Ping Lacson |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon/2025/candidates/ping-lacson/ |access-date=July 1, 2025 |work=GMA News Online |date=2025}}</ref>

His law enforcement career inspired two action films: ''Task Force Habagat'' (1993) and ''Ping Lacson: Super Cop'' (2000).<ref>{{Citation|last=Natividad|first=Toto|title=Ping Lacson: Super Cop|date=December 25, 2000|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347777/|type=Action, biography|others=Rudy Fernandez, Lorna Tolentino, Herbert Bautista, Ricky Davao|publisher=Millennium Cinema|access-date=January 18, 2021}}</ref> He was portrayed by action star Rudy Fernandez.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2000 |title=Ping role one of Rudy's best |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2000/12/21/92312/ping-role-one-rudys-best |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2000 |title='The Ping Lacson Story' iboykot - KMU |url=https://www.philstar.com/metro/2000/12/18/122019/the-ping-lacson-story-iboykot-kmu |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=March 21, 2002 |title=Guess what Rudy's B-day wish is |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/03/21/154603/guess-what-rudy146s-b-day-wish-is |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

Another film, ''10,000 Hours'' (2013), was based on Lacson's flight in 2010. It starred Robin Padilla, who was elected senator in 2022.

== Electoral history == {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" |+ Electoral history of Panfilo Lacson ! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Year ! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Office ! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Party ! colspan="4" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Votes received ! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Result |- ! style="background:#eaecf0;" |Total ! style="background:#eaecf0;" | % ! style="background:#eaecf0;" |{{abbr|2=Position|P}}. ! style="background:#eaecf0;" |Swing |- !2001 | rowspan="4" |Senator of the Philippines | style="background:{{party color|Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino}};" | |LDP |10,535,559 |35.74% |10th | {{n/a}} | {{Won}} |- !2007 | style="background:{{party color|United Opposition (Philippines)}};" | |UNO |15,509,188 |52.58% |3rd | +16.84 | {{Won}} |- !2016 | rowspan="2" style="background:{{party color|Independent politician}};" | | rowspan="2" |IND |16,926,152 |37.63% |4th | -14.95 | {{Won}} |- !2025 |15,106,111 |26.34% |7th | -11.29 | {{Won}} |- !2004 | rowspan="2" |President of the Philippines | style="background:{{party color|Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino}};" | |LDP |3,510,080 |10.88% |3rd | {{n/a}} | {{Lost}} |- !2022 | style="background:{{party color|Independent politician}};" | |IND |892,375 |1.66% |5th | -9.22 | {{Lost}} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

== Notes == {{notelist}}

==External links== *{{commons category-inline}} *{{official website|https://pinglacson.net}} *[http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/lacson_bio.asp Senate of the Philippines – Senator Panfilo M. Lacson]

{{S-start}} |- {{s-civ|pol}} {{s-bef | before = Edmundo Larroza (OIC) }} {{s-ttl | title = Chief of the Philippine National Police | service_years = 1999–2001 }} {{s-aft | after = Leandro Mendoza }} |- {{s-off}} {{s-new|office}} {{s-ttl|title=Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery|years=2013–2015}} {{s-non|reason=Position abolished}} {{s-ppo}} |- {{s-vac|last=Ramon Mitra Jr.}} {{s-ttl | title = LDP nominee for President of the Philippines | service_years = 2004 }} {{s-non | reason = Most recent | rows = 2 }} |- {{s-vac|last=Renato de Villa}} {{s-ttl | title = Partido Reporma nominee for President of the Philippines | service_years = 2022 }} {{S-end}} {{Candidates in the 2022 Philippine presidential election}}{{Candidates in the Philippine presidential election, 2004}} {{navboxes |title=Senatorial history of Panfilo Lacson |list= {{12th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{13th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{14th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{15th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{17th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{18th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{20th Congress of the Philippines senators}} }} {{Philippine National Police Chiefs}}

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