Lacson says ‘democracy will be preserved’ if elected as president

Photos: Senator Panfilo Lacson visits Mawab, Davao de Oro during his campaign on February 12. Courtesy of Sen. Lacson’s Office.

MANILA, Philippines — Democracy will be preserved should presidential bet Senator Panfilo Lacson be elected as the country’s top leader.

Lacson made the assurance when he campaigned in Mawab, Davao de Oro in Davao Region, the bailiwick of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Partido Reporma standard-bearer likewise reiterated that there will be no martial law under his leadership.

“Definitely, democracy will be preserved. Walang (No) martial law. Walang (No) dictatorship,” Lacson said during his visit.

“In the first place ang martial law, depende sa Constitution, may limitasyon. Ang declaration ng martial law as if there’s no martial law. Kasi, first, 60 days lang, ano—i-va-validate ng Congress. Pagkatapos the Bill of Rights are well entrenched, hindi magagalaw. Hindi pwedeng mang-aresto maski sino maski mayroong martial law,” he explained.

(In the first place the martial law depends on the Constitution, there is a limitation. The declaration of martial law as if there’s no martial law because it will be the 60 days only, then it will be validated by Congress. Then, the Bill of Rights are well entrenched, it will not be changed. Arrests are not allowed even if there is a martial law.)

Lacson also said that Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are the bailiwick of Partido Reporma.

“Sa akin, ang significance, Partido Reporma, ‘yung mga candidates namin dito, ‘yun ang significance para sa akin,” Lacson responded when asked why Davao de Oro was included in their campaign visits.

(For me, the significance is Partido Reporma, our candidates here.)

“Kaya Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, I can say bailiwick ng Partido Reporma and of course, Partido Reporma kasama syempre si Senate President [Vicente Sotto III] du’n, lagi namin siyang dala,” he continued.

(That is why Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, I can say is the bailiwick of Partido Reporma and of course, Partido Reporma along with the Senate President.)

Sotto is running as the vice president of Lacson.

Sotto also noted that he sponsored the bill carving out Davao de Oro, formerly Compostela Valley, from Davao del Norte.

Senator Panfilo Lacson visits Mawab, Davao de Oro during his campaign on February 12. Courtesy of Sen. Lacson’s Office.

“Kaya pinapaalala ko sa mga taga-Davao de Oro, kaya nagkaroon ng Compostela Valley, Davao de Oro dahil ini-sponsor-an ko at ginawa ko ‘yung probinsyang ‘yun, cinarve out namin from Davao del Norte,” he said.

(I remind Davao de Oro residents, Davao de Oro happened because I sponsored it and carved the province out of Davao del Norte.)

“Pinapaalala ko lang sa mga taga-rito para at least ika nga’y kahit papa’no nakatulong tayo dito,” added Sotto.

(I am just reminding them because at least we have helped.)

The campaign period for the May 9 polls started on February 8 for national candidates while it will commence on March 25 for local bets.

READ: Comelec releases calendar for 2022 polls; COC filing set on Oct. 1 to 8

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