MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson announced on Thursday that he is resigning from the Partido Reporma, after the political party decided to endorse another presidential candidate. He is to run as an independent candidate.
“Today, I officially announce my resignation as Chairman and member of Partido Ng Demokratikong Reporma, which effectively makes me an independent candidate for the presidency in the upcoming May 2022 elections.”
“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.”
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.
The Senator said that he harbors no ill feelings towards the Partido Reporma president, former Speaker Alvarez, Secretary General Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib – and the rest of the Davao del Norte Reporma candidates.
“Sa lahat ng myembro at kandidato ng Partido Reporma sa labas ng Davao del Norte – who joined the party because of our shared advocacy to fight graft and corruption in pursuit of good governance, all for the sake of our beloved country and people – with or without party affiliation – I am not leaving you behind. I assure you that I will be your leader and supporter in our shared convictions and aspirations.”
“Magkakasama pa rin tayo sa laban na ito. Tulad ng paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, tuloy ang laban hanggang sa dulo! God bless our beloved Philippines.”
In 2021, Lacson became the Chairman of the political party. Partido Reporma was founded by ex-Defense Secretary Renato de Villa when he left the Lakas-NUCD after former President Fidel Ramos moved to endorse former speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. for the Presidency in 1998.