MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:37 a.m.) — Nagbitiw na mula sa Partido Reporma ang 2022 presidential candidate na si Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, Huwebes.
Si Lacson, na chairperson ng partido, ay dinala ng grupo bilang kanilang standard bearer habang ineendorso ang vice presidential candidacy ng Nationalist People's Coalition member na si Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.
"Today I officially announce my resignation as chairman and member of Partido ng Demokratikong Reporma, which effectively makes me an independent candidate," wika ni Lacson kanina sa isang press conference.
"Yesterday, I was informed by the party president, former speaker Pantaleon 'Bebot' Alvarez, that their slate in Davao del Norte, led by the party secretary secretary-general and provincial governor Edwin Jubahib, has decided to endorse another presidential candidate."
Kapansin-pansing kasama pa rin ni Lacson si Sotto habang ginagawa ang naturang statement.
Ugong-ugong ngayon na susuportahan ni Alvarez ang kandidatura ng kalaban ni Lacson na si Bise Presidente Leni Robredo. Sa kabila nito, itinanggi ito ng party spokesperson na si Ace Acedillo sa isang ulat ng CNN Philippines.
"I have no basis to say it's true. It's not even brought to the table," ani Acedillo kanina.
"Any endorsement from Partido Reporma for any other candidate is not on the table precisely because our chairman is our presidential candidate. And that's no other than Ping Lacson."
Hindi naman daw nagkikimkim ng sama ng loob si Lacson kina Alvares, Jubahib at Davao del Norte Reporma candidates na "susuporta sa panibagong presidential candidate."
Hinihingian pa naman ng panig ang kampo nina Robredo hinggil sa naturang political developments.
"In the face of these recent developments, allow me to say: like a true-blooded warrior that I am all my life, I will continue this fight in pursuit of my quest to serve my country and our people, as your chief executive — if God and the Filipino people will it, come May 9, 2022," dagdag pa ni Lacson.
"Sa lahat ng myembro at kandidato ng Partido Reporma sa labas ng Davao del Norte — who joined the party because of our shared advocacy to fight graft and corruption in pursuit of good governance, all for the sake of our beloved country and people — with or without party affiliation — I am not leaving you behind. I assure you that I will be your leader and supporter in our shared convictions and aspirations."
"Magkakasama pa rin tayo sa laban na ito." — may mga ulat mula kay Angelica Yang