Ping Lacson trusts Marcos to stand up vs. bullies

Former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Thursday expressed confidence that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. would stand against "bullies."

Lacson's remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and United States President Donald Trump clashed in an exchange at the White House over Ukraine's war with Russia.

The senatorial candidate of the administration's Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas said Philippine leaders and heroes have stood up to invaders and colonizers in the same way that Zelenskyy had "refused to be cowed" by Trump.

"I do hope and trust that our president—not just President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but all other presidents—have stood up to foreign powers during the time of the Spaniards, Japanese and Americans. They all fought for our sovereignty and freedom," Lacson said in a radio interview.

"We have experienced this and I trust that regardless of who the bully is, our leaders will stand up for us," he added.

A Reuters report said Zelenskyy had seen the meeting in the Oval Office as an opportunity to convince the US not to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

However, Trump and Vice President JD Vance leveled criticisms against Zelenskyy, saying the Ukrainian president showed disrespect, driving relations with Kyiv's most important wartime ally to a new low.

Zelenskyy was told to leave, a US official said.

Trump has since paused all U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

Marcos had repeatedly expressed support for Zelenskyy's "search for peace," as he said the Philippines is "watching with admiration, the bravery and nationalism that has been displaced by the Ukrainians" amid Russia's attacks. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.