Lacson-Sotto tandem no longer endorsing Gordon, Binay

Runningmates Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III will no longer endorse the candidacies of Senator Richard Gordon and former Vice President Jejomar Binay from the tandem’s senatorial slate.

In an interview on Tuesday, Sotto confirmed that only 11 candidates will remain in the Lacson-Sotto tandem’s senatorial ticket.

“Officially we’re endorsing 11. Nagkataon lang na 11 pa lang sila ngayon but we’re endorsing them. Gusto namin silang maging senador, tingin namin magiging magaling sila,” Sotto told reporters in an ambush interview during his courtesy call to Mayor Edwin Olivarez at the Parañaque City Hall.

“Ang maganda lang sa 11 na to hindi sila committed sa kung sinong president o vice-president, hindi sila officially nagsasabi na ito ang aking presidente at vice president, as a matter of fact some of them even announced they’re supporting Sen. Ping,” Sotto added.

Sotto noted that Gordon is openly supporting another presidential and vice presidential candidates.

He added that Binay has been ‘missing in action.’

The Lacson-Sotto tandem are now endorsing 11 senatorial bets. These include House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, former senador JV Ejercito, Sorsogon Governor Francis Chiz Escudero, former DA secretary Manny Piñol, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Dr. Minguita Padilla, former Makati representative Monsour Del Rosario, retired PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar, broadcaster Raffy Tulfo, and former DICT secretary Gringo Honasan.

Earlier, they announced the removal of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista from their senatorial ticket.

For his part, Binay said he never violated their gentleman’s agreement and did not openly endorsed other candidates. He also said the senators “know his number” should they want to have a discussion.

“I never applied to be a guest candidate but I welcomed my inclusion in their ticket. We had a gentleman’s agreement. Walang ieendorso ang guest candidates. I honored that agreement. I did not declare my support for anyone and I did not attend any event. Kasi lalaki akong kausap,” said Binay.

“Kung ang isyu ay hindi ako makausap, alam naman nila ang number ko.  Still, I wish  them well. Good luck sa inyo, Sen Ping at SP Tito Sotto,” he added.