Leadership skills shine as presidential rivals heard echoing Lacson's stand in debates
Even the strongest contenders were heard echoing Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo Lacson’s stand on controversial and key issues when they engaged with the lawmaker during the recent presidential debates.

Some of those who were heard echoing his stand during the CNN Philippines 2022 Presidential Debates on Sunday, February 28, were fellow presidential bets Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice President Leni Robredo especially on his decision to stand with Ukraine.
Lacson cited the Philippine Constitution as well as Article 1 of the United Nations charter, which the Philippines signed along with other member nations, in renouncing the war waged by Russia against the former Soviet republic.
“Tulad ng sinabi ko, hindi naman masama kung makisama tayo sa mga peace-loving nations para maging bahagi ‘yung boses natin ng pagkondena kasi aggression talaga, invasion e (As I said, it’s not wrong for us if we join other peace-loving nations to be part of the global voice in condemning aggression, it’s really invasion),” noted Lacson, a former soldier and national police chief.
Lacson also praised Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not abandoning his constituents in the middle of a tough crisis by putting himself in the line of fire along with his soldiers to defend their country, calling him a “living hero.”
Even former deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, a known Robredo supporter, gave the Partido Reporma chief a shout out on Twitter for handling this issue.
“On the other hand, Sen. Ping shows deftness when it comes to foreign policy,” Valte tweeted during the debates.
Other presidential aspirants—Norberto Gonzales and Jose Montemayor, Jr.—were also heard acknowledging the strong points Lacson made on not imposing deadlines to achieve his goals, as well as, the steps he took to help the Filipinos cope with the situation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lacson mirrored the performance made by his running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, during the CNN Philippine’s vice-presidential debate aired on Saturday.
Both lawmakers capitalized on their long years of experience in government and track record to edge out their rivals.