Former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson yesterday confirmed he has intentions to run for president in the May, 2016 elections.
In a radio interview, the former lawmaker said there is a possibility he would join the presidential race in next year’s election having gained the support of retired military and police officers who had pledged to help him in this effort.
“If we’re talking of intentions, I can tell you, I have intentions (to run for president),” Lacson said over Radio DZMM.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, however, said his decision is not yet final, saying he has to consider many factors, including public preference.
Lacson said that when it comes to senatorial surveys, he gets high rankings, placing first or second in the senatorial race.
But he admitted the figures do not resonate when it comes to presidential surveys.
“So I was thinking, maybe we need to come up with ways to reach the consciousness of our fellowmen and convince them that we are a viable candidate, too,” Lacson said.
Earlier, several newspapers carried an advertisement urging Sen. Grace Poe Llamanzares and Lacson to run in tandem for the May, 2016, presidential race. At least 35 retired members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP signed the manifesto.
Lacson ran for president in 2004 but placed third behind then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.
Last March, Lacson said he believes August or September this year would be “the practical time” to decide whether or not to run for higher office.
Manila Bulletin
