Lacson to quit politics if he loses presidential race

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, Sr. on Monday said he does not plan on continuing his political career if he loses in the May 9 election.������

Mr. Lacson, in a media interview after casting his vote in his hometown Imus, said he is not interested in holding a Cabinet position under the next administration.����

“No. I won’t even speculate but like I said, I’m more inclined not to accept anything anymore,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino based on a transcript sent by his team.������

Under Philippine law, losing candidates may be appointed to a government position a year after the electoral exercise.����

The senator, a former police chief, said he feels he has done enough public service.������

“It’s already been 50 years and that’s it for me as far as government service,” he said. “But, as I said, it depends on the conditions,” he added.������

The conditions, he said, include “baseline principles,” which will not sacrifice the values he protected in his years as a public servant.������

“If that will be compromised in exchange for a position as Cabinet secretary, then never mind, I will not.”����

When asked who among his rivals matched his principles, he said no one.��

In any case, Mr. Lacson said he expects that all animosities between candidates will be cast aside after the elections.����

“It is understandable that during the campaign, someone will come out with a statement against any or some of the candidates, but that is normal. Now that it is over, I hope all of it will be forgotten after today,” he said.����

“Let us be one nation, one people again,” he added.����

If he does retire from politics, the senator said his plans include farming in Silang, another town in his home province Cavite. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan��