Lacson taps text power to raise campaign funds

CEBU, Philippines - Famed book author and senatorial aspirant Alexander “Alex” Lacson has chosen to tap a “modest method” in seeking support for his candidacy – text messaging.

Lacson yesterday launched what is dubbed as “Donate Through Text,” which allows those who are willing to support him to donate funds through a mobile transaction.

Lacson said the scheme is made possible after an “unprecedented arrangement” with a telecommunications company initiated by people inspired by his compelling message. He said those who are willing to send donations can do so by typing ALEX followed by a space, the amount the donors intends to donate, and sending the text message to 2899.

Lacson said donations can range from as low as P5 to P1,000.

The scheme is a method usually employed by humanitarian organizations to raise funds for a cause and Lacson said he is optimistic that the same scheme would create “ripples of support” for his bid for the Senate. 

“We are involving our people in our electoral democracy,” Lacson said in a press conference yesterday.

He calls his platform “Bagong Istorya,” saying he wants to “tell a new story” to the world to “break the wall” of cynicism that has reportedly alienated ordinary Filipinos from politics and governance.

Lacson said he wants to prove that “politics is not a rich man’s game, nor is it for those contemplating a career in politics.”

“If you want change, you need new faces, new attitudes,” he said.

Lacson is the author of the popular book, “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country.” The book was aimed to inspire Filipinos to do their share in helping strengthen good governance and develop responsible citizenship.

 In a recent Pulse Asia pre-election candidate preference survey for the senatorial race, Lacson ranked 13th to 15th with a 33-percent awareness level, higher than such newspaper front-page regulars. — Johanna T. Natavio/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)