AROUND 300 retired police and military generals as well as former government officials on Friday signed a manifesto of support for presidential bet Panfilo Lacson and his running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Former Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado attested to the leadership attributes of Lacson, saying he is capable of leading the nation at a time of discord and uncertainty.

Mercado urged Filipino voters to apply the same guiding principles most chief executive officers use when they welcome people into their organizations: “hire on character, train on skills.”

Retired Colonel Mariano Santiago, who served under the administrations of Presidents Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. and Corazon Aquino, said he is supporting Lacson because he is tired of the same political dynasties.

In their signed manifesto, the LSSG officials and members asserted the competence, bravery and honesty of Lacson, as well as his excellent track record in public service.

“Mayroon siyang code of honor na natutunan niya pa bilang kadete sa Philippine Military Academy, at kailanman ay hindi siya nasangkot sa ano mang katiwalian sa panahon niya sa Philippine National Police. Sa kanyang panunungkulan bilang senador, hindi siya kailanman tumanggap ng tinatawag na ‘pork barrel,’” part of their manifesto read.

Former Information and Communications Secretary Eliseo Rio, ex-Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, Ret. Major Gen. Carlos Tañega, Ret. B/Gen. Francisco Atayde, Ret. P/BGen. Edwin Corvera, and former PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Edmund Tan were among those who signed the statement of support.

Over 200 retired officers also signed the manifesto including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, erstwhile National Bureau of Investigation director Magtanggol Gatdula and former ACT-CIS party-list representative Samuel Pagdilao, Jr.

Lacson’s spokesman Ashley ‘Ace’ Acedillo said that former Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop as campaign manager is now the one in charge of running the presidential campaign of the three-term senator through the Lacson-Sotto Support Group or LSSG.