Lacson could be dark horse in 2016 presidential race – Sotto

Secretary Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson could be a “dark horse” if he decides to join the presidential race in 2016, acting Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Wednesday.

“Dark horse. Kung baga sa karerahan…mapapalingon ka. Basta dark horse talaga,”  Sotto said of Lacson in an interview with reporters.

The senator said Lacson would be a strong  contender in 2016  elections since he possesses the qualities that are lacking in other candidates. The  former senator earlier said that he is open to run for president.

READ: Lacson says he is open to run for president

“He’s a decision-maker, he has no baggage. He is determined, he fights graft and corruption,” Sotto said in mixed  English and  Filipino.

But Sotto said  Lacson might not run if Senator Grace Poe will  join the presidential race. Poe has not  decided yet whether or not to run for a higher post in 2016.

Told about Sotto’s prediction, Lacson said in  jest he would run  for president.

“Kung magiging  dark horse pala  ako, malamang na tumakbo na ako for president, as long as pareho kami ni Senator Sotto ng concept of what a dark  horse  is,”  the former senator said in a text message to reporters.

“Seriously, I appreciate those statements from Senator  Sotto. Aside from being a former colleague  in the Senate, I will take his views  into account when I will make a decision to  run for president,” Lacson added. AC