Lacson son to square off with Bong Revilla’s son for Cavite vice governor

IMUS CITY, Cavite, Philippines—The ruling Liberal Party (LP) is fielding the son of Senator Panfilo Lacson for vice governor of Cavite in the May 2013 elections to square off with the son of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla.

Jay Lacson, 38, was proclaimed Monday as the running mate of incumbent Imus Rep. Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi, who wants to make a comeback as governor of Cavite.

Maliksi served as governor for three terms from 2001 to 2009 before he ran and won the lone congressional district seat for Imus.

Both Maliksi and Senator Lacson are from this city.

“I guess public service runs in the blood.  I’d like to serve my province mates,” the younger Lacson said on the sidelines of the LP proclamation rally held at the Maranatha Christian School here Monday.

Lacson is seeking his first public office, after working as his father’s chief of staff. He said his father was not able to make to the proclamation rally because he was out of the country.

In his speech, Maliksi stressed several times that Lacson might not be an actor but could certainly perform well in the government.

“Hindi artista, pero propesyunal. Hindi artista pero buhat sa magaling na angkan, napakagaling ng magulang, matulungin, ikinararangal ng Cavite, (He is not an actor but he is a professional. He is not an actor but he comes from a talented clan, very smart parent, helpful and someone that Cavite can be proud of),” Maliksi said.

Maliksi is up against reelectionist Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, while Lacson will be running against movie and television actor Jolo Revilla, son of actor-turned-politician Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

“It was the party that talked me (into running for office, but) I believe Congressman Ayong (Maliksi) talked to my father first,” Lacson said.