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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson says he'll walk away from politics in 2031

Lacson says he'll walk away from politics in 2031

Published Feb 21, 2026 05:56 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has designated the year 2031 as the expiration date of his political career.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Facebook)
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Facebook)


Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has designated the year 2031 as the expiration date of his political career.
In an interview at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City where the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming took place Saturday, Feb. 21, Lacson told reporters that he had no plans to seek election after his Senate term ends in 2031.
Lacson, who will turn 78 in June, says he has already spent the past five decades of his life in public service.
Asked if he had received offers to run ahead of the 2028 national elections, the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said, "Absolutely none. I’m nearing the twilight of my career."
"I am still eligible for reelection in 2031 but I am not intending to. I intend to finish my public service career in 2031, when my current or first term ends in the Senate," Lacson said.
Talks about elections and political alignments suddenly became en vogue following Vice President Sara Duterte's announcement earlier this week that she would vie for the presidency in 2028.
Lacson declined to speculate on reported political discussions among other personalities, including President Marcos' meeting with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in Naga City.
He said he can only affirm that the President requested the Senate to appropriate funds under the Local Government Support Fund to augment the needs of all local government units (LGUs), including Naga City.
"Gusto niya ma-augment especially those hard hit by calamities. Yan ang main agenda nila (The President wanted to augment funds for areas especially those hit hard by calamities. That is their main agenda)," he said.
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