Charles Teves
Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson will now be running as an independent candidate after resigning as chairman of the Partido Ng Demokratikong Reporma.
Lacson revealed that the party’s slate in Davao del Norte has decided to endorse Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency, leaving him with no choice but to step down for good.
“Yesterday I was informed by the party president, former Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, that their slate in Davao del Norte, led by the party secretary-general and Provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib, has decided to endorse another presidential candidate.
“Considering that it is at the behest of these top-tier officials that I was recruited as a member and the party’s standard-bearer and thereafter elected as its chairman, I believe it is only decent and proper—consistent with my time-honored uncompromising principles—to make this decision,” he said in a statement.
Despite the apparent betrayal, Lacson said he holds no grudges.
“In the face of these recent developments, allow me to say, like a true-blooded warrior that I am all my life, I will continue this pursuit of my quest to serve my country and our people, as your Chief Executive—if God and the Filipino people will it, come May 9, 2022.
“To Partido Reporma President, former Speaker Alvarez, Secretary-General/Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib—and the rest of the Davao del Norte Reporma candidates—let me tell you this: I harbor no ill-feelings towards you and anyone who may hereafter opt to join them in their new choice of a presidential candidate.”
Alvarez, who used to be critical of Robredo, officially endorsed her shortly after Lacson’s decision.
He sees a better future for the country if a “woman” is elected its president.
“We need a leader. And for the 2022 Presidential elections, given all these considerations and the crisis we have to overcome, that leader is a woman.
“Her name is Leni Robredo.” he continued.
Concerned voters would like to see Lacson completely drop out of presidential the race.
I don’t know din ha. If your party drops you in favor of a candidate who has a better chance of defeating the larger evil, siguro read the room, lower your pride, and know that this is a battle larger than you. Piliin ang bayan. Please make the right decision, sir. 🎀
— Claudiopoi #StopKillingPalestinians!!! 🇵🇸 (@claudiopoy) March 24, 2022
Lacson could still do a selfless and patriotic act – by withdrawing and supporting Robredo. That would earn him a lot of respect from all Filipinos fighting the dictator’s son.#LeniRobredoForTheWin
— Jessie Severino (@jessie_sev) March 24, 2022
Robredo supporters also want to see Sen. Manny Pacquiao to drop out and form an alliance with the leader of the Pink army.
https://twitter.com/imursmike/status/1506948851340513280?s=20&t=-Mp3xg8-RjweGwXJ5eJMQQ
Some are glad to see Lacson’s chances of winning the presidency get reduced to rubble because of his red-tagging of kakampinks earlier.
Natutuwa ako na ang Partido Reporma: from Ping to Kakampink
Yan napala ni Ping sa red-tagging: Binasura sya ng Reporma at sumama na sa atin sa pag-endorso kay @lenirobredo.
Beh buti nga sa yo, Ping.
Magsilbing aral sana ito kay Ping atbp Marites na chismoso’t red-taggers.
— ELMER LABOG (@KaBongLabog) March 24, 2022
Real Lacson believers just feel bad for him.
https://twitter.com/og_Sanchii/status/1506860344081543169?s=20&t=-Mp3xg8-RjweGwXJ5eJMQQ
https://twitter.com/poluhhh/status/1506831599366991874?s=20&t=-Mp3xg8-RjweGwXJ5eJMQQ
Kawawa naman Lacson..nilaglag ng Partido
— Jose Rizal (@shake_spear19) March 24, 2022
