Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he has no interest in becoming vice president if Vice President Sara Duterte is convicted in her impeachment trial and removed from office.
Lacson said his Senate term runs until 2031 and that he prefers to remain in the Senate. He added that he would decline the vice presidential post if offered.
Asked about Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s suggestion that all senator-judges declare they would not accept the position, Lacson said Cayetano should not interfere with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision on whom to choose.
Lacson also said there would be nothing wrong with selecting a replacement from among the senators who would try Duterte if she were removed from office.
Meanwhile, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said in a podcast post that he would reject the vice presidency if offered, citing a potential conflict of interest.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said discussions about the position were premature because Duterte’s impeachment trial remains ongoing and she has not been convicted.
The statements come amid discussions about a possible vacancy in the vice presidency. No final decision on Duterte’s impeachment has been reached, and the possibility of selecting a successor remains hypothetical while the proceedings continue.
