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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider 'We need leaders, not pretenders,' says presidential hopeful Lacson as filing of COCs begins Oct. 1

'We need leaders, not pretenders,' says presidential hopeful Lacson as filing of COCs begins Oct. 1

Published Sep 30, 2021 05:00 pm

As the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) is set to start Friday, October 1, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson reminded Filipinos that the Philippines needs a president that would have a different "brand of leadership" to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country's prevailing problems.

Senator Panfilo Lacson (Czar Dancel/MANILA BULLETIN File Photo)

"Running for president of this country should not be aimed against any particular person," Lacson said in a statement on the eve of the filing of COCs before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, September 30.

"Rather, it must purely depend on our honest desire to uplift the lives of our countrymen who have suffered more than enough from incompetence and shameless corruption, mostly caused by the callous machinations of those in power whose conscience has given way to their greed," he added.

Lacson, who will run for president alongside Senate President Vicente Sotto III as vice presidential candidate, stressed that the country is still "at war" with the COVID-19, unemployment, and hunger.

He also cited the country's "humongous national debt and alarming budget deficit", as well as the continuing incursions of China in the West Philippine Sea.

"We cannot anymore afford a 'more of the same' brand of leadership during this crucial time in our nation’s history. We should know by now that it doesn’t work," Lacson said.

"We need a leader, not a pretender. We need a good leadership track record, not apprenticeship; we need tested honesty and integrity in public service, not lip service and double-speak," he further said.

Lacson and Sotto would run with the campaign slogans "We Need A Leader", and the "Kakayahan, Katapatan, at Katapatan (Competence, Integrity and Courage)" -- qualities they said they possess.

In launching their tandem last Sept. 8, they vowed to address these problems should they win in next year's elections.

Aside from Lacson, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso and Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao have also declared their presidential bids.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go were also being pushed by their allies to seek the country's highest post.

Meanwhile, Sotto is expected to compete with President Duterte and doctor Willie Ong for vice presidency, so far.

Lacson earlier said that he and Sotto will file their COCs on Oct. 6.

Related Tags

2022 polls 2022 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS ping lacson presidential race
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