Manila, April 1 -- Former senator and 2025 senatorial candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Tuesday proposed to streamline the country's disaster response structure by transferring the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) directly under the Office of the President.

Lacson made this proposal speaking at the "Konsultahang Bayan: A Caucus for Good Governance Beyond Elections" held at Citylight Hotel in Baguio City.

By placing the OCD under the Office of the President, Lacson said the office would be able to coordinate effectively with all departments and agencies at the proper level of authority.

The former Senator said the OCD, if under the President's direct control, would eliminate bureaucratic delays, particularly in the approval of rehabilitat...