CARMEN, Cebu – Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson received a big boost in his 2025 senatorial bid on Friday after getting the endorsement of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia here.
Garcia raised Lacson’s hand at a rally of her One Cebu party here, at the second leg of the party’s northern caravan.
“He is here, Senator Ping Lacson! Tabangan ta, padagon ta (Let’s help him, let’s make him win). Number 33 sa balota!” she said as she raised Lacson’s hand amid applause from the audience.
At another rally in Catmon later in the day, Lacson thanked Garcia for her endorsement, saying it made his day – as well as those of fellow senatorial bets Tito Sotto and Manny Pacquiao, who Garcia also supported.
“This is the high tide of my campaign not only Cebu but the whole of Central Visayas. With the endorsement you made earlier this afternoon, kumpleto ang araw naming tatlo. Rest assured if and when makabalik ako sa Senate, hindi ko makakalimutan ang araw na ito (This is the high tide of my campaign not only Cebu but the whole of Central Visayas. With the endorsement you made earlier this afternoon, you made our day. Rest assured if and when I return to the Senate I will not forget you),” Lacson said.
Earlier, at the kickoff of the northern caravan in Liloan, Cebu, Lacson had lauded the governor for her strong, no-nonsense and well-meaning leadership.
He cited Garcia’s leadership that led to Cebu having a robust economy, being the second largest IT business management, bringing in $32.5 billion in revenue in 2023. Garcia’s leadership also helped boost Cebu’s GDP by six percent in 2023, he added.
“I have always been an admirer of strong, no-nonsense and benevolent or well-meaning leadership. Leaders whose mere presence commands attention and respect. Needless to say, I am a great fan of Gov Gwen Garcia. Not only because of her strong leadership but for bringing Cebu to where it is now,” he said.
Lacson took part in the northern caravan of Garcia’s One Cebu scheduled for Friday and Saturday. A Mass kicked off the One Cebu Northern Caravan at the Panphil Frasco Memorial Sports Complex.
