‘I’m nearing twilight of my career,’ Ping says, baring 2031 retirement plan
BAGUIO CITY—“I’m nearing the twilight of my career,” Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said in an interview after attending the homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy from where he graduated 55 years ago.
The 77-year-old senator told inquiring reporters he had “absolutely” no plan to run for higher office in 2028 and would instead retire from public service when his term expires in 2031.
“I’m still eligible for reelection in 2031, but I’m not intending to. I intend to finish my public service career in 2031 when my current or first term ends in the Senate,” said the senator, who finished seventh in the 2025 Senate elections with 15,106,111 votes.
Lacson, who turns 78 in June, has had a storied career that includes 30 years as a law enforcer and about 25 years as a lawmaker. He unsuccessfully ran for president in 2004, but gained public approval for his advocacy against pork barrel and corruption.
Lacson was also involved in Senate investigations of corruption controversies, including the Industrias Metalúrgicas Pescarmona SA energy deal and the scandals over Jose Pidal in 2003 and illegal gambling in 2005. All three controversies involved the family of former President Gloria Arroyo.
The senator did not say what he plans to do if he does retire in 2031, raising suspicions from his critics or hopes from his supporters that he would seek high public office.
Speculation over which public figures will run in the 2028 national elections heated up after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her candidacy for president last Wednesday.
Political plans
Reacting to Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement that she would run for president in 2028, Lacson said every Filipino had a right to run for public office and wished Duterte good luck.
But Lacson declined to comment on speculations that former vice president and incumbent Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo could challenge Duterte’s bid to be chief executive.
Robredo met with President Marcos in Naga City on Saturday to launch a flood control system rehabilitation program, fueling speculation that the visit would delve into politics.
“It’s hard to speculate because we’re not privy to their conversations,” the senator said at the PMA homecoming, adding that the President earlier requested that the Senate to allocate funds for the needs “not only for Naga City, but all local government units for that matter.”
