In the ever-theatrical stage of Philippine politics, whispers of a “caretaker president” have once again surfaced,this time with business tycoon Ramon Ang being floated as the man for the job. Alongside it, the Koalisyong Makabayan has proposed a transition council that would elevate the Senate President to the highest office should President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte be unseated.
But for Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, veteran lawmaker and Senate President Pro Tempore, the idea is nothing more than fantasy.
“Dream on. Unconstitutional yan,” Lacson declared bluntly in a Sunday interview over Super Radyo DZBB.
With the gravitas of a man who has spent decades navigating the corridors of power, Lacson reminded the public of the constitutional order.
“Kapag tiningnan natin ang Constitutional provision, kapag nawala ang pangulo… halimbawa pati yung pangalawang pangulo, ang 3rd in line ay Senate President, tapos susunod sa kanya speaker, it stops there,” he explained.
“Ang Senate President kapag nawala yung dalawa acting lang siya at tatawag siya ng eleksyon… Acting lang siya, hindi siya permanent president hanggang 2028. Yan ang reyalidad, yan ang legal.”
The ‘Designated Survivor’ Vision
Lacson’s sharp dismissal of the transition council recalls his own legislative attempt to address gaps in succession. During the 18th Congress, he filed the Designated Survivor Bill, inspired by the American political thriller of the same name.
“Kaya nga ako nag-file sa designated survivor kasi constitutional succession natin, nag-e-end sa speaker,” he said.
The bill imagined a scenario where the President, Vice President, Senate President, and House Speaker could all perish in a single catastrophic event—say, during a State of the Nation Address. Without a clear successor, Lacson warned, the military might seize power. His proposal extended the line of succession to the most senior senator and representative, ensuring continuity of civilian government.
Echoes of Oplan Hackle
Lacson’s name has long been entangled in succession plots. In 2006, during the Arroyo administration, the military uncovered “Oplan Hackle,” a blueprint for a provisional government. At its heart was the so-called “Diamond Statement,” which envisioned Lacson as president should Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo be toppled.
The plan was audacious: suspend Congress, declare a state of emergency, and draft a reform constitution under military guidance. Most striking was Proclamation No. 003, which would have installed Lacson as President and Commander-in-Chief, justified by his third-place finish in the 2004 elections after the death of Fernando Poe Jr.
The coup attempt fizzled, its architects arrested. Years later, they were granted amnesty by President Benigno Aquino III.
A Man Perpetually on the Edge of Power
Lacson has sought the presidency twice—first in 2004, then again in 2025. Twice he has lost. Yet his name continues to resurface in moments of political instability, a figure perpetually hovering at the edge of Malacañang’s gates.
If he eyes another run in 2028, Lacson will be 80 years old. Whether destiny finally delivers him to the presidency or leaves him as the perennial “almost-president” remains one of Philippine politics’ enduring cliffhangers. (ZIA LUNA)
