Statement by Presidential Aspirant Sen. Ping Lacson

Today, I officially announce my resignation as Chairman and member of Partido Ng Demokratikong Reporma, which effectively makes me an independent candidate for the presidency in the upcoming May 2022 elections.

Yesterday, I was informed by the party president, former Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, that their slate in Davao del Norte, led by the party secretary-general and Provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib, has decided to endorse another presidential candidate.

Considering that it is at the behest of these top-tier officials that I was recruited as a member and the party’s standard-bearer and thereafter elected as its chairman, I believe it is only decent and proper – consistent with my time-honored uncompromising principles – to make this decision.

In the face of these recent developments, allow me to say, like a true-blooded warrior that I am all my life, I will continue this fight in pursuit of my quest to serve my country and our people, as your Chief Executive – if God and the Filipino people will it, come May 9, 2022.

To Partido Reporma president, former Speaker Alvarez, Secretary General Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib – and the rest of the Davao del Norte Reporma candidates – let me tell you this: I harbor no ill feelings towards you and anyone who may hereafter opt to join them in their new choice of a presidential candidate.

Sa lahat ng myembro at kandidato ng Partido Reporma sa labas ng Davao del Norte – who joined the party because of our shared advocacy to fight graft and corruption in pursuit of good governance, all for the sake of our beloved country and people – with or without party affiliation – I am not leaving you behind. I assure you that I will be your leader and supporter in our shared convictions and aspirations.

Magkakasama pa rin tayo sa laban na ito.

Tulad ng paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, tuloy ang laban hanggang sa dulo!

God bless our beloved Philippines.