Ping on seeking presidency in 2022: Time is not on my side

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Thursday that seeking the presidency in 2022 is the last thing on his mind as he is not getting any younger.

“How old I am now, although I look young, I’m not that really young, time is not on my side, I’m not thinking of 2022,” Lacson clarified Thursday in a press briefing at Senate.

He was reacting to the pronouncements of former Bureau of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon that he exposed the alleged “tara” list in the BOC on Wednesday for his political agenda.

"Tara" refers to an alleged system of bribes at the Customs bureau.

Faeldon said Lacson targets the highest government post anew after his losing bid in 2004.

READ: Faeldon hits back, accuses Lacson’s son of smuggling

“Gusto mo bang magpasikat? O baka tatakbo kang presidente ulit. You've proven that already. Do you want to do this at the expense of our families?” Faeldon, who has been accused of incompetence and corruption in his handling of the Customs bureau, said.

The senator told the resigned commissioner to not put political color in the issue at Customs, which was found to have allowed P6.4 billion in shabu into the country. The shipment was later confiscated in a Valenxuela City warehouse in a Customs-led raid.

READ: Lacson bares Customs 'tara' list

The 69-year-old lawmaker said that he even hesitated to run for senator in 2010.

“That’s farthest from my mind (2002) ito na nga ang last hoorah ko eh,” Lacson said.

Lacson, a former Philippine National Police director general, has a fresh term as senator after winning in 2016 elections as an independent candidate.