Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson brushed aside speculation Saturday that he might seek a higher post in 2028, clarifying that he intends to conclude his decades-long career in government once his current Senate term ends in 2031.
Speaking at a Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming in Baguio City, Lacson said he has no plans to run for reelection or pursue any other national position after his present mandate.
“I’m nearing the twilight of my career. And I am still eligible for reelection in 2031, but I am not intending to. I intend to finish my public service career in 2031 when my current… term ends in Senate,” he said.
A member of PMA Class of 1971, Lacson served in the police force, eventually becoming PNP chief under former President Joseph Estrada, before entering politics in 2001. He is now serving his fourth nonconsecutive six-year Senate term.
Lacson previously sought the presidency in 2004 and 2022, finishing third and fifth, respectively, and briefly mounted a bid in 2010 before withdrawing.
Speculation about his political future resurfaced after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her plan to run for president in 2028. Lacson reiterated he has no intention of joining the contest.
His former party, Partido Reporma, recently expressed support for Duterte’s prospective bid, noting Lacson remains “viable” only as a Senate candidate. Lacson left the party in 2022 after it endorsed then-Vice President Leni Robredo despite his own candidacy.
The veteran legislator said his focus is on Senate work, particularly securing financial support for local government units.
“Gusto (ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) ma-augment especially those hard hit by calamities. ‘Yan ang main agenda nila,” he noted.