Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday expressed openness to constructive public discourse to improve his proposed Parents Welfare Act, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in crafting meaningful legislation.

Lacson acknowledged that while online debates have included misinformation, he values the concerns raised respectfully and constructively by some citizens.

"I still do appreciate those who articulated their concerns in a constructive manner. Whether we admit it or not, the online discourse has shed light on the evolving nuances of family relationships, likely shaped by modern times,” Lacson said in a radio interview with True FM.

Lacson emphasized that a key responsibility of lawmakers is to thoroughly examine all concerns while refining the details of proposed legislation.

“Welcome naman itong mga discourse na ganito, ang mga criticism, argument at counter-argument, welcome yan kasi nae-enrich ang panukalang batas (The discourse on the subject is welcome, along with constructive criticisms, arguments and counter-arguments, if they will enrich the measure),” he added.

The senator is dedicating the bill to his late parents, Maxima and Buenaventura, who he said taught him and his siblings the value of integrity and selflessness. 

“Whatever happens, I am dedicating this piece of legislation, including my commitment to refine it in the committee and defend it in the plenary should it go that far, to all the helplessly struggling parents who have given their all for their children, yet are not as fortunate as they are,” he said. 

He emphasized that the bill aims to protect struggling elderly parents who, despite sacrificing so much, are later neglected by their children.

“It does not tolerate a 'culture of dependency' where many fear that their undeserving and scheming parents will siphon their hard-earned money as a retirement fund. It does not perpetrate the suffering of the 'sandwich generation' torn between the burdens of supporting their aging parents and their children,” he said.

He cited a case where parents were evicted from their own home after transferring ownership to their child as an example of why penalties, including imprisonment, may be justified.

“Isn't it abominable that despite the care you gave your children, they just kick you out? To me, the bill's provision of one to six months' imprisonment would be justified in this case,” he said.

However, Lacson clarified that the measure will not protect abusive or neglectful parents, nor does it intend to burden children unjustly.

“It (the bill) is for the parents who are sick and physically incapacitated, struggling to even have enough to eat, yet are heartlessly abandoned by their financially able children for whom they sacrificed so much,” he explained.

Lacson said he intends to actively pursue the bill’s passage, even requesting to lead a subcommittee to shepherd it through the legislative process—much like how he successfully pushed for the National ID law in the past.

“I want to pursue this because this has a basis in the Constitution, the Family Code, and my personal experience where I did everything to support them until they breathed their last,” he shared.

The senator also mentioned that the bill includes safeguards, such as exemptions for abused, neglected, or abandoned children, as well as those who are financially incapable.

“Di tayo naging magulang o magiging magulang pero lahat tayo naging anak (Not all of us would become parents, but every one of us is someone's child),” he said.