Lacson wants to revisit Pag-asa Island amid word war over WPS

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Saturday said he wanted to revisit Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.

This came after recent heated exchanges between members of the Senate and the Chinese Embassy in Manila over the Philippines’ defense of national sovereignty and maritime rights.

Asked whether he would visit the island again, in an interview with reporters in this city, Lacson answered, “If there’s an airplane that would fly me there, I’d like to go there.”

READ: After defending Kalayaan execs, Jonvic Remulla meets with China envoy

It can be recalled that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously came to the defense of 16 Kalayaan local officials who were banned by the Chinese Embassy from entering their country.

Would Lacson join Remulla? The former replied, “As long as there is no session in the Senate because I don’t want to be absent. If there’s no work in the Senate, I’m willing to join.”

Lacson last visited Pag-asa Island in 2021.

Citing his experience, the senator said there were “deficiencies” in the island’s infrastructure, particularly for education.

“I think it’s incumbent upon us, especially the Armed Forces, to protect and defend Pag-asa from either intrusion and, worst scenario, invasion,” Lacson stressed. /cb