MANILA — Corruption will continue to be the most critical challenge for Philippine leaders as the 2028 presidential race begins to take shape, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said.

Speaking to reporters, Lacson, who has long been known for his anti-corruption stance, emphasized that his remaining years in public service—ending on June 30, 2031—are a reminder of the importance of integrity in government.

“Being in the twilight of my public service career, I can only hope for the best to happen to our country in the decades to come. I believe corruption is the biggest stumbling block in achieving economic progress and development that our people rightly deserve,” Lacson said.

His remarks come a day after Vice President Sara Duterte formally announced her bid for the presidency in 2028. Meanwhile, the “united opposition” has indicated it will reveal its slate of candidates by the end of this year.

Lacson stressed respect for the democratic process, noting that every qualified Filipino has the right to run for office. “I am sure VP Sara Duterte and her advisers have their reasons for declaring early. I can only wish her good luck in her bid and will pray for her intentions and whoever else will decide to run to lead our country in 2028-2034,” he said.

He reiterated that future leaders must prioritize transparency and accountability, citing corruption as the primary barrier to sustainable economic growth and public trust.