The 2022 national and local elections could be the "most serious and important" in the country's recent history due to the problems brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Panfilo Lacson said.
Lacson pointed this out as he appealed to potential candidates and voters alike to raise the level of discussions beyond entertainment, when the campaigns for next year's elections have started.
"Hindi na pupuwede 'yong ganong treatment na na-eentertain lang tayo. Dapat ang laging usapan natin, issue based (We can no longer treat elections like a form of entertainment. Our discussions should be issued-based)," Lacson told reporters in La Union Friday, July 9.
"Even 'yong post-pandemic, napakalaking hirap ang haharapin natin para gawing biro at 'di seryoso 'yong labanan na ito. Tayo rin ang magsisi sa bandang huli (Even post-pandemic, we would still be facing serious challenges for us to only dismiss and make jokes about the campaign. We would end up regretting our decision)," he added.
Lacson called for change in Philippine politics, particularly in the mindset of voters, to engage in "intelligent elections" and not be swayed by the antics of candidates.
"This is serious, very serious especially because of the pandemic. I think the decision we will make in 2022 is the most serious and important decision we all have to make and we should really think carefully," he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
"My hope and prayer is that the campaign leading to the May 2022 polls will be a campaign of issues, and not a campaign of entertainment," he added.
Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III were in La Union as part of their "Tour of Luzon" ahead of the 2022 elections.
The potential running mates -- for president and vice president, respectively -- were meeting local leaders to gather suggestions for the country's recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two, however, have yet to decide whether or not to run for higher national posts.