Lacson, Sotto remove Bautista from Senate slate over disloyalty

Presidential aspirant Panfilo Lacson and his running mate Vicente Sotto III have removed former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista from their Senate slate for the upcoming Eleksyon 2022.

Bautista, an official of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), was dropped for expressing his desire to represent the NPC in the UniTeam of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte.

He was observed attending the proclamation rally of Marcos and Duterte in Bulacan, but was absent during the proclamation rally of Lacson and Sotto in Imus, Cavite.

Lacson confirmed Bautista's removal, stating that his status as a senatorial bet for their tandem is now null and void.

Sotto, who also chairs the NPC, cited "disloyalty" as the ground for Bautista's removal from their senatorial lineup.

Bautista expressed gratitude to Lacson and Sotto for the opportunity, stating he has no ill feelings and that their decision will afford him the opportunity to openly campaign for the BBM-Sara UniTeam.