Nagbitiw na bilang chairman ng Partido Reporma si presidential aspirant at Senator Ping Lacson, at tatakbo na lamang siya bilang independent candidate.
Ayon kay Lacson, sinabihan siya ng presidente ng kanilang partido na si dating House Speaker at Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez kahapon, March 23, 2022, na ang grupo nila sa Davao del Norte ay nakatakdang mag-endorso ng ibang presidential candidate.
Ngayong araw, March 24, naglabas ng pahayag si Lacson ukol dito.
Saad niya: “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.”
Ayon kay Lacson, wala siyang sama ng loob sa mga nang-iwan sa kanya sa gitna ng laban. Gayunpaman, ipagpatuloy niya ang kanyang kandidatura sa pagka-presidente.
“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 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.”
Siniguro naman ni Lacson sa mga dating kapartido na kumasa sa kanyang laban na hindi niya sila iiwan.
Ani Ping, “Sa lahat ng miyembro 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!”
ALVAREZ ENDORSES ROBREDO
Kasunod ng pagbibitiw ni Lacson, naglabas din ng pahayag si Alvarez ukol sa pagsuporta nila sa kandidatura ni Vice President Leni Robredo.
Kasalukuyang nasa Davao del Norte ang grupo ni Robredo upang mangampanya.
Sa unang bahagi ng kanilang pahayag, pinuri ng Partido Reporma ang katangian ng kanilang first choice sa pagka-presidente na si Lacson.
Nakasaad sa statement, “Partido Reporma has always sought to represent the better ideals in politics, mindful of the limitations imposed by a far from perfect world, but faithful to the aim of attaining good governance - through reform - as its constant guiding north star.
“Given the challenges that the nation must confront due to the pandemic, the resulting economic crisis, and the spillover adverse consequences in the everyday lives of our People, we initiated an urgent campaign called: ‘We Need A Leader, 2022.’
“There is no doubt that, after a thorough search, we found a once in a generation candidate, a rare gem who devoted his entire life to exceptional public service, risked life and limb for his countrymen, cleaned the ranks of the police force when he led that institution, fought against corruption, and advocated consistently and credibly for good governance.
“And when he became a Senator, he authored important laws including, but not limited to, Free Irrigation for our farmers, National ID system to simplify government processes, and increase in the pay of Military and Uniformed Personnel to support our heroes.
“He is also the guardian of the national budget, protecting the treasury from those who seek to plunder it. He knows that corruption is not a victimless crime, and with every peso lost, Filipinos tragically have less healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
“Last, but not the least, his advocacy for budget reform is the key to bringing development to the countryside. Empowering LGUs, by giving them more funds and handing over to them the ability to efficiently and effectively respond to the needs of their constituents, is key to long-lasting development.
“Senator Ping Lacson is the best, and our leaders on the ground have echoed that sentiment time and again. Even supporters of other candidates agree. And under ideal circumstances, they want to campaign and vote for him and see him lead the country. He is the most qualified to be President.”
“HER NAME IS LENI ROBREDO”
Sa itinatakbo ng kampanya para sa May 9, 2022 elections, dalawang kandidato lamang daw ang mahigpit na naglalaban para sa pagkapangulo.
At ang napili raw ng kanilang mga miyembro ay si Robredo.
“But the electoral terrain in 2022 is far from ideal, and fate had other plans. Time and context framed the narrative of 2022 in a way that gave traction, rightly or wrongly, to other candidacies instead. This is a difficult fact which takes courage to admit.
“Right now, two candidates have pulled away from the pack, and while the candidate second in ranking still lags far behind from the frontrunner, it is evident that her campaign has gained, and continues to gain, significant traction.
"There is much potential there. She has also shown that she represents ideals which are substantially in line with the aims of Partido Reporma: to reform government and provide a better future for Filipinos.
“Our ground leaders have expressed their wish to participate in that brave calling. And that is why, a hard choice must be made. With a heavy heart, many members of Partido Reporma are constrained to consider a candidate other than their first choice.
“We reasonably believe that the only realistic option at this point, with roughly a month and a half left, is to converge with Leni Robredo’s campaign. Together, we will pursue the realization of our collective aspirations to improve the chances of ordinary Filipinos at a better life.”
Nangako raw ang kanilang mga opisyales at miyembro na tutulungan ang kampanya ni Robredo.
Pahayag pa ni Alvarez, “The Reporma members and officers concerned, they positively, but realistically, view the opportunity to help ensure that the Leni Robredo campaign is strengthened and further represented by additional sectors of society, especially from those in Mindanao—our home—which runs the risk of being neglected again when President Rodrigo Duterte steps down from office.
“We respect the choice of our members and officers. They are not Pink, but they are reformists, and they are for Leni Robredo. The fight for good governance and a better tomorrow for our People has never been, and never will be, limited to a single color.
“And on my part, I personally have also made a decision.
“With time still left, but admittedly not a lot of it, decisive action is necessary. We must respond to the demands of patriotism requiring us to set aside personal preferences, the end goal being collective victory for good governance, a better future for Filipinos, and a strong and progressive nation.
“We need a leader. And for the 2022 Presidential elections, given all these considerations and the crisis we have to overcome, that leader is a woman.
“Her name is Leni Robredo.”