Lacson, Sotto ‘not actively seeking’ endorsement

FILE PHOTO: Senator Panfilo Lacson (left) and Senate President Vicente Sotto III. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and his running mate Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Saturday said that while they welcome endorsements from influential personalities, they were not actively seeking such because they believe in their solid track record and platform of government.

“All endorsements are welcome, but we’re not actively seeking it. We’ll not resort to that but any endorsement is an addition, whether from the lowest barangay official all the way to the President,” Lacson said.

“Senate President Sotto and I are used to our own efforts,” the senator said. “We have our public service record. An endorsement is a bonus but we’d rather stand on our own two feet.”

For his part, Sotto said: “Endorsements are good, but we need votes.”

Lacson and Sotto issued amid reports that President Duterte was set to declare support for a presidential candidate and his running mate following the declared withdrawal of Sen. Christopher Go.

Lacson, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso and Sen. Manny Pacquiao have all expressed openness to accepting Mr. Duterte’s backing.

Opposition candidate Leni Robredo is unlikely to get the President’s endorsement, as well as former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom Mr. Duterte belittled as “a weak leader.”

Lacson and Sotto made the remarks in Cebu City where they led the blessing and inauguration of the Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma’s (Partido Reporma) campaign headquarters on Friday.

Lacson said an endorsement is akin to respect—it must be earned and cannot be demanded.

The Partido Reporma standard-bearer said the party continued to weigh “like-mindedness against corruption” as a key factor as they look to trim their senatorial lineup to 12 from its present slate of 15.

“Like-mindedness, especially against corruption, is a primary factor. In my experience, if we solve corruption, at least half our problems will be solved,” Lacson said.

“These are tough times. We need tough solutions coming from tough leaders. [Senate President] Sotto and I are the tough leaders,” he added.