Lacson-Sotto removes Bautista, Gatchalian from senatorial slate

“Sen Sherwin Gatchalian and ex-Mayor Herbert Bautista have made their choices of the principles and advocacies that they will embrace moving forward in this political exercise,” Lacson said in a tweet. 

“Obviously, they are not ours. They now cease to be part of the Lacson-Sotto team,” he added. 

Sen Sherwin Gatchalian and ex-Mayor Herbert Bautista have made their choices of the principles and advocacies that they will embrace moving forward in this political exercise. Obviously, they are not ours. They now cease to be part of the Lacson-Sotto team.

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) February 10, 2022

On Wednesday, Lacson first confirmed Bautista’s removal from his senatorial list. He said Bautista wrote him a letter stating the senatorial bet’s intention to be the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) representative to the UniTeam, a coalition supporting the Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem. 

“Si Herbert, sumulat sa aming dalawa. Hindi ko maintindihan kung paano ko sasagutin. Ang sabi niya, nagpapaalam siya kung pwedeng siya na yung NPC representative sa UniTeam,” Lacson said. 

Meanwhile, Gatchalian expressed his apology to the tandem for any misunderstanding. 

“I have worked first hand with Sen. Lacson and SP Sotto and I have nothing but utmost respect and admiration for the two gentlemen,” said the reelectionist who is also running under NPC.

“I have seen their dedication to serve our people and their pure love for our beloved country. For this, I respect the decision of their leadership,” his tweet read.

I have worked first hand with Sen. Lacson and SP Sotto and I have nothing but utmost respect and admiration for the two gentlemen. I have seen their dedication to serve our people and their pure love for our beloved country.

— Sherwin Gatchalian (@stgatchalian) February 10, 2022

Both Gatchalian and Bautista were absent in Lacson and Tito Sotto’s proclamation rally. Instead, they were both joined the proclamation rally of the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the Philippine Arena.