NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson denied on Friday that it was his low poll ratings that prompted Partido Reporma president and Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to defect, but rather his inability to fund the party’s local candidates.

“If pre-election polls were the primary reason he switched his support, I don’t believe it because, like me, Mayor Isko (Domagoso), Sen. (Manny) Pacquiao, and his newly chosen candidate all trail the poll leader,” Lacson said in a message to reporters.

Alvarez endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid on Thursday.

Lacson resigned as chairperson and member of the Partido Reporma prior to the announcement and will now run as an independent.

While Alvarez believes Lacson is the “most qualified” candidate for president, he believes the presidential race is dominated by two frontrunners: former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Robredo.

“The time has come to call a spade a spade. Rather than that, it was more about campaign expenses for their local candidates. His chief of staff requested an additional PHP800 million pesos in funding, which I honestly told him I could not provide “Lacson explained.

He reiterated, however, that he harbors no ill will toward Alvarez over the matter.

“It is preferable if he (better) refrains from discussing this, but if he insists on explaining his actions, I will be compelled to respond in order to correct his statements,” Lacson said.

There is no financial constraint.

Alvarez stated in a statement that the PHP800 million funding requirement will be used to pay for poll watchers on election day, not for local candidates.

“On election day, each precinct requires two observers, one for the morning and another for the afternoon/evening. Multiplying 389,703 by two results in a requirement of 779,406 observers. For their allowance and reimbursement of expenses such as training, food, and transportation, it’s reasonable to estimate that each poll watcher will cost PHP1,000, conservatively,” he said.

Alvarez stated that in light of these considerations, the budget request for poll watchers should be approximately PHP799.4 million at the very least, noting that this is just one item on a campaign’s budget.

“This harsh fiscal reality affects all candidates and parties equally; no one is exempt. And, with the possible exception of the frontrunner, all campaigns for 2022 are likely facing financial difficulties “‘He stated.

Alvarez stated that he was “obligated” to inform Lacson of the financial requirements for “sustaining a credible effort on the ground.”

“Without the ability to cover these costs, it was only fair that we inform our local candidates – from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – and ground staff about the true state of our fiscal affairs,” he explained.

Retaining Lacson

Renato De Villa, chairman emeritus and founder of the Partido Reporma, admitted to being taken aback by Thursday’s events but stated that he will continue to support Lacson.

“I had no idea that such a misfortune would befall our fledgling party. Clearly, I am powerless to intervene any longer, as I regard both Ping and Bebot (Alvarez) as mature politicians capable of making decisions based on personal conviction “‘Additionally,’ he stated in a statement.

Additionally, De Villa stated that he believes that voting for the presidential candidate of one’s choice contributes to the establishment of an honest and competent government capable of bringing about a better future for the country.

“As an original endorser of Sen. Ping Lacson for President, let me state unequivocally that I will remain a supporter and endorser of Ping. As a true soldier in combat, I hope that those who are fighting for him in this political battle will not abandon him “he continued.

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