Lacson hits Pacquiao, ‘calamity politics’

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday said the public call made by  Senator Manny Pacquiao for presidential aspirants to come together to help victims of Typhoon Odette goes against his “principled belief that ‘calamity politics’ is the lowest form of campaigning.”

“In fact, I consider it abominable…Election or no election, we assist and help, period,” Lacson said in a statement.

Pacquiao earlier appealed to fellow presidential aspirants to “set aside all politics” and pool their resources to help Filipinos displaced by the typhoon.

“If it was done through private communication, I would have responded privately as well and offered whatever resources we can share at our disposal in a coordinated effort,” Lacson.

“Since it was done through media – it goes against my principled belief that ‘calamity politics’ is the lowest form of campaigning,” he added.

Lacson said that his office, as well as friends and supporters, have helped Filipinos affected by past calamities “without fanfare and without any media coverage.”

“We did it in Cagayan Valley, and Bicol region and some other areas hit by strong typhoons,” he said.

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