Group backs Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 members of the Lacson-Sotto Support Group, composed mostly of retired generals and graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, have expressed their solid support for presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo Lacson and running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Lacson, a graduate of the PMA, said he is inspired by the support of cavaliers and friends who continue to attest to his capability, courage and loyalty to lead the country.

“Truth to tell, it actually hit my emotion deeply while listening and watching the replay of the event on Facebook. Many many thanks to you all!” he said, referring to the testimonials his friends gave.

Lacson said he watched a replay of the event on Facebook after returning from a three-day sortie in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

He described as “deeply moving” the testimonials of friends that include former Antipolo representative Romeo Acop, former Information and Communications Technology secretary Eliseo Rio, former Defense secretary Orlando Mercado and Bureau of Internal Revenue chief Kim Henares, among others.

Rio said voters should not waste their votes on unworthy candidates, lest their conscience bother them later on when the country’s situation worsens as Acop stressed they would not abandon Lacson.

The group members signed a manifesto of support for Lacson’s capability, courage and loyalty to lead the Philippines, citing his track record as a law enforcer and lawmaker.

They attested to his no-nonsense stance against criminality, his drive against corruption in government, his refusal to partake in pork barrel allocations and his patriotism in fighting for sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, to the extent of visiting Pagasa Island to see firsthand the situation there.

They cited Lacson’s “leadership by example, especially in the Philippine National Police, which he rid of misfits through his stern no-nonsense leadership, thus earning back the trust of the people; and his continued fight against corruption and protection of public funds to ensure funding for crucial health, livelihood and educational programs.”

“On May 9, 2022, we will support Ping Lacson and we invite patriotic Filipinos to join us because only Lacson holds the answer to our longing for true change not just in government but in the entire country,” they said in their manifesto.

The Lacson-Sotto tandem said Filipinos should learn to decide for themselves instead of succumbing to the survey or bandwagon mentality or they risk wasting their votes by not choosing the most competent, most qualified, most experienced and with the highest integrity in public service.