By FFE PH News Staff

Former senator Ping Lacson has been given the role of overseer in the government efforts to rebuild regions affected by typhoon Yolanda. In response, Lacson announced that he plans to finish the job by 2016.

Lacson admitted he wanted to follow the footsteps of Indonesia’s ‘Mr Fix-It’ Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, who directed the rehabilitation of the island nation after the 2004 tsunami. After consulting with urban planners, Lacson announced ‘They said it’s doable. It’s difficult, daunting even, but doable. The important word for me is doable.’

Although Lacson’s responsibilities are yet to be identified, he has already mentioned some key areas to target for the rehabilitation like imposing new zoning rules and structural designs.

On the president’s decision to pass the reins on to Lacson, presidential spokesperson Edwin S Lacierda said President Aquino wanted someone who can work full-time in the reconstruction efforts. He said ‘there was a need to look outside the Cabinet and … for that reason, Senator Lacson was offered the position of rehabilitation czar.’

As for Lacson’s qualifications, the spokesperson said ‘Given his national stature, given that he’s also a senator, he realizes and knows how to deal with all the different building blocks for these reconstruction efforts.’