Some Cabinet members and economic managers under the administration of the late President Noynoy Aquino can play a key role to help the country get back on its feet, said Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday.
“The late President Aquino had his share of good, capable Cabinet members and economic managers from where a pool may be created to get the country back on its feet,” said Lacson.
Lacson noted that some of the former government executives have good track records in addressing the country’s problems.
He said among them are Rene Almendras, Rogelio Singson, Kim Henares, Johnny Santos, Sonny Coloma, and Arsi Balisacan, to name some of them.
Lacson has worked with members of the Aquino Cabinet, having served as Presidential Adviser for Rehabilitation and Recovery from late 2013 to early 2015.
During the Aquino administration, Almendras served as Cabinet Secretary while Singson served as head of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Santos headed the Social Security System.
Henares was head of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. She is now part of Lacson’s think tank, while Coloma headed the Presidential Communications Operations Office. Balisacan headed the National Economic and Development Authority.
Lacson is prioritizing good governance should he win the presidential race in May. He intends to do this through a combination of efficient revenue collection, and a crackdown on corruption via stern discipline and leadership by example.
Lacson meanwhile said he would also rely on the power of volunteers—personal friends and supporters “through thick and thin”—to spread the word about his and the party’s reform agenda.
He described internet trolls as opportunistic. “They turn to the highest bidder, especially during election season.
With spiraling COVID-19 cases that prevent traditional face-to-face campaigning, Lacson said he is bracing for a “dog fight” in a so-called “air war” through traditional and social media to win in May 9 elections.
Using military analogies that he grew up with as a decorated soldier and “Super Cop,” Lacson said the real battle to win the hearts and minds of the voters for the country’s next leaders is happening via the airwaves and the Internet.
When you say air fight, dog fight, Lacson said you’ll fight first in the air, trying to outmaneuver each other.
“Like on social media, the different platforms, that’s how we’re moving now. Because virtually there’s a prevailing, self-imposed unilateral cessation of activities, let’s say on ground operations, so there won’t be any infantry land-scale operations; we’re all doing guerrilla (warfare), through our supporters on the ground,” he said.
“That’s why the fight now is like a dog fight, a fight of air assets – meaning social media, mainstream media. This is the battle now. So, we have no choice because we can’t mobilize the masses, (no) assembly, (no) gathering of people,” he said.
If candidates persisted in holding campaign rallies, Lacson said it would only turn into a superspreader event—something that Partido Reporma has consciously avoided even in its “Online Kumustahan” dialogues across the country in previous months by strictly observing physical distancing and health protocols.