Panfilo "Ping" Lacson

Former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has lovingly credited his mother Maxima for instilling in him the integrity and discipline of the law enforcer that he is known to be.

During an event in Sariaya, Quezon Thursday, March 13 that was held in celebration of National Women's Month, Lacson narrated how his mother molded his character through tough love and strict discipline.

"When we commemorate International Women's Day and National Women's Month in the Philippines - and every day for that matter - I always remember my mother. We learned so much from her sacrifices. She and my father sacrificed to send all of us through school," he said in Filipino.

Lacson, an Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial bet, recalled a lesson in integrity from his mother when one of his older siblings found a one-centavo coin while going home from school. His mother told the sibling to find the owner of the one-centavo coin and return it.

He also recalled how his beloved late mother--who was as strict as they come--taught him about integrity and discipline. He recalled her spanking him whenever he came home late, and crying right after dealing out the punishment.

He said her mom would always remind him not to be hardheaded.

This was why when she passed away and he first saw her in her casket, he wept unashamedly, Lacson said.

"When I saw her body in the casket, I forgot I was a senator, or a PNP (Philippine National Police) chief, or a soldier. I wept like a child, even in the presence of other people," he recalled.

"Let's always remember the value of our women, especially our mothers. They wish nothing but the best for us, not just ensuring our health but also our values," he added.