Lacson backs move to let De Lima participate in Senate deliberations

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday said he supports the move to allow detained Senator Leila de Lima to participate in Senate deliberations via teleconferencing.

In an interview on national radio, Lacson said, "Magpa-pass kami ng resolution, co-author ako, kung saan papayagan si Senator De Lima na mag-participate, pero hindi siya makaboboto."

He said he already consulted Senate President Vicente Sotto III on the matter. "Sa bi ni SP, 'sinuswelduhan siya (De Lima) ng gobyerno, marapat na pasalihin siya.'" 

According to Lacson, the issue has been tackled by the committee on rules and the members agreed to a allow De Lima.

"Papayagan.  Ihahanda na ang gamit para makasali siya," he added.

The senator pointed out that the chamber has the equipment for teleconferencing, which he said, should be used for its purpose. 

"Kasi nanghihinayang ako na meron pala kami equipment para dyan, idle lang sayang naman. Panahon noon ni Senator Enrile at ginamit kay Senator Trillanes," he said.

Also, Lacson said he doesn't see that the Philippine National Police would object to the idea for security reasons.

"Wala naman problema sa security, magse-set up lang ng facilities," the senator said, adding that his colleagues did not also see any problems with the courts. But they would still tackle what they should do about it. —LBG, GMA News