Lacson-Sotto Campaign Will Have No Sing-and-Dance Rallies

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday said he and Sen. Panfilo Lacson would do away with the old school campaign playbook of entertaining crowds through song and dance, noting that they would rather focus on discussing issues.

Sotto, who is running for vice president with Lacson for president, said what's important during campaigns is for voters to know where they stand on issues and what their plans are for the country.

"Wala kaming iniisip na entertainment. Our thinking is really focused on issues. We'd like to elevate the type of campaigning for 2022 on a different level," he told reporters in a virtual interview.

"Tigilan na yung mga entertainment, hindi maganda ang resulta later on. We'll be focusing on issues," he added.

The Commission on Elections earlier said that they would restrict physical interaction between candidates and the public during the 2022 elections campaign as a measure against the spread of COVID-19. Any form of public display of affection like handshaking and kissing babies will be prohibited.

Given the limitations, Sotto said they would employ a mix of social media, traditional media, and face-to-face campaigns for next year.

"Instead of rallies, small town hall meetings are easier to control [in terms of] social distancing. And you even invite the leaders of the area. Yun ang mahalaga. Right now that's how we envision it," he said.

He added that their recent consultative tour in Luzon, where they met with various sectors in different provinces to help them decide about running, was a good practice of how they can conduct their campaign for the 2022 elections.

The Lacson-Sotto ticket was the first tandem to be confirmed for the upcoming 2022 elections. They will make their official launch on Aug. 4.