Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III (center) join a flag ceremony at the Cauayan City Hall on Monday, Mar. 14, 2022. Lacson-Sotto media bureau.
CAUAYAN, Isabela — In 1988, Senator Panfilo Lacson began serving as the police provincial commander in Isabela.
Thirty-four years later, he is back in the province as a presidential candidate to begin barnstorming more “Solid North” provinces with his running mate, vice presidential contender Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
On Monday, the tandem continued their national campaign ahead of the May 9 polls and started wooing voters in more provinces considered as the turf of another presidential contender, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Speaking before Cauayan local officials, city hall employees as well as supporters after a flag ceremony, Lacson recalled his stint as Isabela’s provincial commander from 1988 to 1989.
“How time flies, some 34 years ago, ako ay in-appoint as provincial commander ng Isabela,” said Lacson, who eventually became the national police chief in 1991.
Lacson also recalled surviving an ambush.
“May mga pangyayari na dapat, may mangyari sayo, hindi nangyari dahil nga mayroong nagi-intervene sa taas. Siguro talagang yun ang fate, kaya sabi ko nga wala ako sa harapan ninyo…sa akin talaga yun ambush na ‘yon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sotto stressed his and Lacson’s experience in crafting laws. It is time, he reiterated, that he and his presidential running mate implement these measures.
“Forty-two years,” Sotto said, referring to the total years he and Lacson served in the legislature.
“Matanda lang sa ‘min ng isang taon ang Eat Bulaga,” he added.
After attending Monday’s flag ceremony, the tandem will head to the FLDy Coliseum for a sectoral meeting with barangay officials, women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.
They will also meet with local government officials in the afternoon.
On Tuesday, Lacson and Sotto are scheduled to visit Cagayan and Quirino on Wednesday.