The Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma has relinquished its support to its former chairperson, presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, to pour their support for the candidacy of the late Vice President Leni Robredo’s rival.
This is what Reform Party president and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Thursday, even as they insist Lacson would have been the “ideal” and “most qualified” president in the world of the must.
“[T]he electoral terrain in 2022 is far from ideal, and fate had other plans. Time and context framed the narrative of 2022 in a way that gave traction, rightly or wrongly, to other candidacies instead. This is a difficult fact which takes courage to admit,” said Alvarez.
“We reasonably believe that the only realistic option at this point, with roughly a month and a half left, is to converge with Leni Robredo’s campaign. Together, we will pursue the realization of our collective aspirations to improve the chances of ordinary Filipinos at a better life.”
In the last Pulse Asia survey in February, Robredo is in second place (15%) when it comes to presidential candidates, while Lacson is in the far fifth place (2%). The former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the ousted president, remains number one in surveys.
Lacson’s former party endorses Robredo
Lacson recently resigned as chairperson and member of the Reform Party, a reason to become an independent candidate. He was accompanied by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as the resignation was publicized.
Lacson did not feel bad for Alvarez over their decision, but he will continue his fight to run for the presidency.
“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 fight in 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,” Lacson said.
On the other hand, Alvarez admitted that their membership is not “pink” (Robredo’s color), but they are reformists who trust VP Leni right now.
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