Senator Panfilo Lacson slammed Vice President Leni Robredo’s supposed arrogance as he revealed an alleged offer from her camp for other presidential contenders to back out.
In a forum Saturday (April 9), Lacson said he received an offer to withdraw from Robredo’s camp. In exchange, the Vice President will allegedly drop Senator Francis Pangilinan as running mate in favor of Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
“Sa akin may lumapit, alam niyo ang offer, doon sa Pampanga… alam niyo ang proposal niya sa akin: ‘Senator, kaya naming paatrasin si Kiko at ipasok si Senate President bilang vice president ni Leni basta magwithdraw ka lang,” Lacson said.
The senator said he rejected the offer and was aghast that Robredo’s camp was willing to drop Pangilinan for a shot at winning the presidential race.
“I rejected. Sabi ko, anong klaseng offer ‘yan, ilalaglag niyo ang kasama niyo para lang manalo ang principal ninyo? So I rejected,” he said.
Lacson claimed Robredo’s camp also asked Senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to withdraw from the presidential race.
“Huwag sila masyadong arogante kasi umangat lang ng kaunti sa survey gusto na nila paatrasin lahat… arrogance has no place in a decent society,” he said.
Lacson said he offered a “sure formula for unification” to Robredo before the period of filing the certificates of candidacy in October last year but this was rejected by the Vice President.
“Sabi ko Madam Vice President ito ang suggestion ko, ito’y sure formula for unification, baka puwede i-common candidate natin si Senate President (Vicente Sotto) as our common vice presidential candidate… pagdating ng April kung sino ang clear winner or clear chance of winning mag-withdraw na lang ang isa sa atin,” he shared.
Lacson said Robredo’s rejection made her lose respect for her as it became apparent that the Vice President simply wanted other presidential contenders to withdraw in her favor.
“Dito nawala ang respeto ko sa kanya… hindi siya naging sincere sa kanyang sinasabi… kasi kami we are fighting for the Filipino people… we are not fighting to defeat any particular candidate,” he said.
