Letter to the Editor (08/17/21)

A united front

WE WISH to set the record straight regarding some comments made by Mr. Oscar Lagman, Jr. in his column (“Presidential wannabe Ping Lacson’s proposal is ill-conceived,” August 16, 2021).

[https://www.bworldonline.com/presidential-wannabe-ping-lacsons-proposal-is-ill-conceived/]

First, Sen. Lacson’s proposed formula for unity stemmed from the hopes of some prospective non-administration candidates, including Vice-President Robredo, for a united front in the 2022 polls. The meeting where he made his proposal known to Ms. Robredo was at the invitation of the Vice-President’s camp.

While Sen. Lacson never said his unity proposal is free of complications, much less perfect, it is nevertheless sincere and selfless, offering a way to turn talk into action.

Mr. Lagman, given his decades of observing politics, is certainly aware of this: compared to talking all day about unity, starting the process of implementing — as Sen. Lacson tried to do with his proposal — is a much harder, if not thankless, task. It is thus hard to comprehend why the Vice-President would decline it outright if she were sincere in achieving unity.

Nevertheless, Sen. Lacson has made it clear that he respects Ms. Robredo’s decision. In the meantime, he and Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III continue to offer themselves as a pro-Filipino alternative to provide Filipinos with the leaders we need.

We hope this clarifies matters. Thank you very much.

Respectfully yours,
Joel Locsin
Media Relations Officer
Office of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson