Saying the legislature needs him, Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong has asked Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson excise all thoughts about retirement.

“We respectfully appeal to Sen. Lacson not to resign. The country continues to benefit from his experience, competence, integrity, and independent voice in public service,” Adiong said in a statement Sunday, May 24.

Lacson earlier shared in an online interview that he had at one point considered resigning from the Senate out of frustration over recent developments that he believed affected the institution’s public image.

At the same time, the senator noted the favorable public perception currently being enjoyed by the House of Representatives.

Adiong said Lacson’s statements should be viewed as coming from a veteran public servant deeply invested in strengthening institutional credibility and public trust.

“Sen. Ping Lacson’s remarks reflect a deep concern for the credibility of public institutions, and we understand why many Filipinos are paying close attention to his observations,” the House "Young Guns" bloc member said.

What's important at this time is for Lacson to stay, Adiong noted.

He said the present political climate calls for leaders capable of helping strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions, especially at a time when government bodies are under intense public scrutiny.

“At a time when institutions are under close public observation, principled leaders who can elevate public discourse and contribute to institutional stability remain indispensable,” Adiong added.

Lacson is a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief. His reputation at the Senate is that of an anti-corruption watchdog.

The second-term congressman also said Lacson’s observation presents an opportunity to recognize the legislative work being undertaken by the House under Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.

Adiong noted that despite political debates and heightened public attention on governance issues, the House has continued to focus on legislation and policy work.

“While national political issues naturally attract significant public attention, the House has remained focused on governance and legislation. To date, it has successfully approved 20 out of the 52 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding social protection, improving healthcare and education, ensuring food security, and helping ordinary Filipinos cope with increasingly difficult economic conditions,” Adiong said.

The solon stressed that the House’s accomplishments didnt happen overnight.

"They are the result of disciplined committee work, extensive consultations, consensus-building, and rigorous policy deliberations before measures even reach the plenary floor."

And the chamber isn't stopping there, according to Adiong.

“This week, the House is expected to approve on third and final reading the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, another key LEDAC priority measure intended to strengthen democratic participation, encourage fairer political competition, and create greater opportunities for new and grassroots leaders to emerge in public service,” he said.

“The chamber is likewise poised to pass on third and final reading the proposed Kalinga Act, a national emergency response and response and resiliency framework designed to give the Marcos administration a clearer and more responsive mechanism for addressing fuel-driven inflation, energy supply disruptions, and economic shocks that threaten transportation, food security, livelihoods, and other essential services,” he further said.