In Legazpi City over the weekend, at a dinner the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief tendered for his Bicol campaign organizers and supporters, advance copies of sample ballots for the May 10 elections were distributed by local candidates.
On top of the ballots is the name of Lacson for president, followed by Carlos Padilla, his lone senatorial candidate, Carlos Imperial for congressman, Michael Imperial for city mayor, and Boroy Arroyo for vice mayor.
The names of 10 candidates for city councilor are also listed: Luis Adornado, Joey Aguilar, Chito Baldo, Mila Bal, Azul Bending, Nenebeth Cabigao, Taw Llovit Cesar, Avelino Pacamara, Oca Santillan and Arcos Vir.
Imperial is seeking re-election as a congressman under Lakas and the pro-administration Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Padilla said Mrs. Arroyo should expect many local candidates, including those belonging to her party, to junk her.
"These local leaders and their constituents, the people in general, are not happy with her leadership. The peace and order situation has not improved, the economy is still in the doldrums, corruption is still endemic, and the nation is adrift," he said.
He said given Mrs. Arroyo’s background in economics, people had expected much from her "but she proved to be no different from her predecessors."
He added that if the President solicited their support, candidates in the provinces would say yes to her but would quietly help the presidential aspirant who they think can lead the country better.