MANILA, Philippines--Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed on Monday that he was offered to become the running mate of fellow senator and presidential aspirant Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in next year’s elections.

Lacson said the offer was made two months ago or before Escudero announced he was leaving the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

“Yes, but that was before he bolted from the NPC,” the senator told reporters.

He said Escudero “expressed” the possibility of them running together in case the latter’s tandem with Senator Loren Legarda does not push through. “At that time, I said, “Why not?”,” he added.

But in a press conference last October 28, Escudero pulled a surprise when he announced that he left the party so he could decide on his own about his plans in the 2010 elections.

Lacson’s name was one of those immediately mentioned as Escudero’s possible running mate should he decide to run for president next year.

But Lacson denied this, saying the offer has not been repeated to him since his colleague had left the NPC.

“Mahirap mag comment. (It’s difficult to comment.) I may sound too presumptuous,” Lacson said, when asked if he would now accept the offer to become Escudero’s running mate.