Panfilo "Ping" Morena Lacson Sr.
Panfilo "Ping" Morena Lacson Sr. was born on June 1, 1948, and has had a long career in both law enforcement and politics. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (Class of 1971), Lacson rose through the ranks to become the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 1999 to 2001. Before that, he served in the Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group (MISG) from 1971 to 1986 during the Marcos dictatorship. Lacson's political career includes three terms as Senator (2001-2013 and 2016-2022), where he gained a reputation as a budget watchdog and anti-corruption advocate. He consistently refused to accept his pork barrel allocations and scrutinized the national budget for questionable insertions. Between his Senate terms, he served as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (2013-2015) under President Benigno Aquino III, coordinating recovery efforts after Super Typhoon Yolanda. In 2022, Lacson ran for President with Vicente "Tito" Sotto III as his running mate but lost to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte. After the election, he transitioned to the private sector, working in agri-aqua business to contribute to food security. For the 2025 Senate elections, Lacson is running as an independent candidate but has been endorsed by President Marcos Jr. as part of the administration's Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for a New Philippines) slate. He has stated that he was enjoying retirement but was convinced by former Senate President Sotto to run again.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Philippine Military Academy (1971)
- Master in Government Management, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (1996)
Career Highlights
- Senator of the Philippines (2001-2013, 2016-2022)
- Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (2013-2015)
- Chief, Philippine National Police (1999-2001)
- Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group (1971-1986)
- Chairman, PNP Foundation
- Presidential Candidate (2022)
Key Platforms
Budget Reform and Anti-Corruption
Pledges to continue his role as a 'vanguard of the national budget' by scrutinizing government spending, fighting against pork barrel allocations, and preventing unnecessary or questionable insertions. Vows not to avail of any pork barrel funds in any shape or form if elected.
Senatorial Decorum and Institutional Integrity
Aims to restore 'proper decorum' in the Senate, referencing the standards maintained during Sotto's Senate presidency (2018-2022). Believes in maintaining the dignity and professionalism of the upper chamber.
Law Enforcement and Security Reform
Draws on his experience as former PNP Chief to push for continued strengthening and professionalization of law enforcement agencies. Supports providing proper resources and training while ensuring accountability and preventing abuse.
Child Protection
Advocates for establishing provincial shelters for young victims of sexual abuse and violence, modeled after the refugee center for abused children in Misamis Occidental, which provides protective services and rehabilitation for vulnerable youth.
Food Security and Agricultural Development
Supports policies to enhance food security and agricultural productivity to reduce dependence on imported goods. Advocates for assisting the agriculture sector to grow crops locally rather than relying on importation.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for an export-oriented economy with increased minimum wages tied to inflation rates to enhance workers' purchasing power. |
| Education | Supports the National Service Training Program and measures to strengthen educational institutions for competitiveness. |
| Healthcare | Backs comprehensive healthcare policies including the Reproductive Health Law and substance abuse rehabilitation approaches. |
| Environment | Promotes responsible mining with proper regulation of small-scale operations and investment in renewable energy infrastructure. |
| Labor | Advocates for minimum wage increases based on inflation rates and stronger protections for Filipino workers. |
| Agriculture | Champions domestic agricultural production over importation to enhance food security and rural livelihoods. |
| Governance | Fiercely opposes all forms of corruption, particularly the misuse of pork barrel funds and discretionary allocations. |
| Foreign Policy | Supports strong assertion of Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea while maintaining strategic alliances with the US, Japan, Australia, and European nations. |
| Charter Change | Specific positions on constitutional amendments are not readily available in public sources. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Expressed support for the SOGIE Equality Bill, stating 'There should be no discrimination. That's the bottomline.' |
| Drug War | Criticizes aspects of Duterte's drug war, particularly the alleged cash reward system, while advocating for rehabilitation approaches alongside law enforcement. |
| Icc | Specific positions on the ICC investigation are not readily available in public sources. |
Sources & Citations
- Rappler - 'Ping Lacson vows to continue as vanguard of national budget in Senate comeback bid', October 2, 2024
- Rolling Stone Philippines - '2025 Senatorial Primer: Ping Lacson', February 25, 2025
- Wikipedia - 'Panfilo Lacson'
- Senate of the Philippines - 'Senator Panfilo Ping M. Lacson' official biography
- VERA Files - 'Ping Lacson platforms for Senate return in 2025'
- Vote Pilipinas - 'Lacson, Ping - Presidential Candidate' profile
- Philippine News Agency - 'Lacson, Sotto, Lapid formalize senatorial bid for 2025 polls'
- DZRH - 'Ping Lacson clarifies senatorial bid, to run as independent candidate'
- Philippine Star - 'Lacson: I am an independent senatorial candidate'
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025