Born on June 1, 1948 in Imus, Cavite, Lacson was the fourth of eight children of Buenaventura, a jeepney driver, and Maxima, a market vendor. His father’s experiences with extortionist policemen instilled in him a determination to fight corruption, while his mother’s strict upbringing taught him discipline and resilience. He finished his elementary and secondary education in Imus before entering the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), graduating with the Matatag Class of 1971. He later earned a Master’s degree in Government Management from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 1996.
Law Enforcement Career
As a young officer in the Philippine Constabulary and later in the Philippine National Police (PNP), Lacson gained a reputation for toughness and incorruptibility. He successfully led operations against high-profile kidnappings, including the rescue of Robina Gokongwei in 1981, which he declined to profit from despite offers of reward.
He later commanded police forces in Isabela, Cebu, and Laguna, where he became known for his uncompromising stance against illegal logging and gambling. Under then Vice President Joseph Estrada, he headed the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission, and in 1998, as chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, he helped bring kidnap-for-ransom incidents to near zero.
As Chief of the PNP (1999–2001), Lacson enforced a strict “no-take” policy, cracked down on extortion by rogue policemen, and imposed discipline and fitness standards. These reforms earned him record-high approval ratings and restored public trust in the police. He also co-founded and later chaired the PNP Foundation, Inc., which continues to support the logistical needs of the police force.
Legislative Career
Elected senator in 2001, Lacson became widely respected as a watchdog of the national budget. He consistently opposed the pork barrel system, returning his own allocations to the National Treasury and exposing billions in questionable insertions. His vigilance is credited with saving the government hundreds of billions of pesos.
Lacson authored, sponsored, or co-authored landmark laws, including:
- Republic Act (RA) 9485 – Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007;
- RA 11055 – National ID System Law;
- RA 11053 – Anti-Hazing Act of 2018;
- RA 11479 – Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020;
- RA 11469 – Bayanihan to Heal as One Act;
- RA 10351 – Sin Tax Reform Law;
- RA 9208 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003;
- Amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, and the AFP Modernization Program.
He also pushed measures to curb bureaucracy, strengthen witness protection, expand wiretapping for anti-crime operations, regulate prepaid SIM cards, and penalize false testimony.
Beyond legislation, he exposed numerous government anomalies, including the fertilizer fund scam, the “Hello Garci” controversy, the ZTE-NBN deal, and irregularities in customs, procurement, and public works projects.
Other Public Roles
In 2013, Lacson was appointed Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). He coordinated with local governments, the private sector, and NGOs to prepare the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan, mobilizing almost ₱30 billion in aid and projects.
Recognitions
For his unwavering fight against corruption, Lacson received the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 2019. In 2022, the Philippine Military Academy awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 50 years of service characterized by courage, loyalty, and integrity.
Source: Senate of the Philippines, https://web.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/lacson_bio.asp