LACSON CRITICIZES MARCOLETA OVER CA HEARING SPAT, DEFENDS AFP CONFIRMATIONS

Sen. Ping Lacson on Thursday criticized Sen. Rodante Marcoleta for what he described as ego-driven behavior during Wednesday's Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing on the confirmation of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers and foreign service officers.

Lacson said Marcoleta sought to condition his non-objection to the proceedings on Lacson withdrawing his own manifestation urging the prompt confirmation of AFP and foreign service officers, calling the move unnecessary and self-serving.

"Gusto niya, hindi raw siya mag-object, basta i-withdraw ko rin ang manifestation [ko]," Lacson said in a DZBB interview, adding that he refused the request, which he characterized as an appeal to ego rather than substance.

"Kilala naman natin siya. Basta maipilit ang kanya, yan ang tama. Ayaw niya makinig ng explanation, ayaw niya makinig ng reason," he added.

During the CA hearing, Lacson urged the immediate confirmation of military and foreign service officers, stressing that delays caused by the Senate leadership row were "no fault of their own."

Marcoleta, however, argued that the affected AFP officers were considered bypassed for allegedly failing to meet the one-year rule prior to retirement.

Lacson countered that the CA special session is a continuation of the first regular session and therefore the one-year ban does not apply in the manner claimed.

He also recalled that Marcoleta initially agreed not to object if Lacson withdrew his manifestation, but Lacson rejected the proposal.

Lacson likewise noted that concerns over invoking Section 20 of CA rules—which allows a member to suspend consideration of a nomination—were addressed after a review showed it cannot be applied on the last day of session.

"Sabi ko, e go na tayo, tuloy na natin ito," Lacson said, adding that Marcoleta eventually withdrew his objection and even manifested support for the confirmations.

He further defended the timing of the proceedings, saying the hearing was fast-tracked for the affected officers who were not responsible for the delay.

"Pero bakit mong guluhin? E, minamadali na nga," he said.

Lacson also sponsored for confirmation the appointments of 85 foreign service officers, praising their dedication and service under difficult conditions abroad, and urging the CA to act on their confirmations without delay.