GENERAL Santos City — Presidential aspirant Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is now an independent candidate.

Lacson announced here he resigned as chairman and member of the Partido Demokratikong Reporma effective immediately.

However, Lacson quickly clarified : “I am only resigning, but not withdrawing from the race. . . tuloy tuloy to hanggang May 9 (election date).”

Lacson told reporters that his sudden resignation came after some party officials switched loyalty.

“Just yesterday (Wednesday), I was informed by party president Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, that their slate in Davao del Norte, led by secretary-general and provincial governor Edwin Jubahib, decided to endorse another presidential candidate,” the veteran senator said.

Lacson believed it was only decent and proper to cut his ties with the party which recruited him as member and eventually elected him chairman.

Like a true-bloodied warrior, the former top cop said he is not withdrawing and will continue his quest to serve the country and people.

As to the decision of Alvarez and Jubahib, Lacson said he harbored no ill-feelings against them.

When asked about his campaign, Lacson said he will stick and count on his old and reliable friends, the retired military and policemen who promised to secretly campaign for him.

Lacson’s running mate Vicente “Tito” Sotto and senatorial candidate former North Cotabato governor Emmanuel “Manny” Pinol said they wil always be at their presidential bet’s side.

“Walang iwanan,” they said.

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Joel dela Torre