MANILA, Philippines — Even the toughest of leaders show their emotional side once in a while – independent presidential bet Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is no exception.
Lacson was moved by the gesture of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cavaliers and friends from the Lacson-Sotto Support Group (LSSG), who signed a manifesto of support for his presidential bid.
The group also gave testimonials on why he should be President.
“Truth to tell, it actually hit my emotion deeply while listening and watching the replay of the event on Facebook. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat (I thank all of you)!” he said.
The manifesto of support was signed Friday by more than 100 members of the LSSG, composed mostly of retired generals and his fellow graduates or Cavaliers from the PMA.
Among the LSSG members at Friday’s event were former Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, former Department of Information and Communications Technology Sec. Eliseo Rio, former Bureau of Land Transportation head Col. Mariano Santiago, and retired M/Gen Carlos Tañega; former Department of National Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta; former Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissoner Kim Henares.
“It is an understatement to describe the event — ‘emotionally uplifting and inspiring to watch our cavaliers and friends display their sincere and all-out show of support and unequivocal commitment to our shared advocacy for the betterment of our country and people,’” said Lacson.
He caught a part of the press conference’s livestream on Facebook after returning home Friday from a three-day campaign sortie in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
He described the testimonials as “deeply moving.”
Lacson earned a reputation as an unflinching “tough cop” and “tough senator.” In his law enforcement days, he neutralized criminal gangs including kidnap-for-ransom syndicates and would decline offers of rewards from rescued victims’ relatives. As senator, he would reject his pork barrel allocations while exposing corruption and other wrongdoing.
Friday’s show of support came a week after Lacson parted ways with Partido Reporma last March 24 after learning that its high officials were supporting another candidate, and is now running as an independent bet along with vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.