Lacson son to battle Jolo Revilla in 2013 polls

Composite picture of Pampi, Jodi and Jolo

MANILA, Philippines – From being colleagues in the chamber, Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. will soon be political rivals outside as their respective sons gear up for a political showdown.

Lacson's son and chief of staff, Ronald Jay Lacson, disclosed to ABS-CBN News his plan to run for Cavite vice governor in the 2013 elections.

“I have decided to help out Congressman Malicsi in his bid for governor,” he said.

The younger Lacson will go up against Revilla's son, actor Jolo Revilla, who is also barangay chairman of Panapaan 7 in Bacoor and executive vice president of the League of Barangays of the Philippines.

Senator Revilla confirmed in a phone call with ABS-CBN News Jolo's vice gubernatorial bid.

Jolo will be the runningmate of re-electionist Governor Jonvic Remulla, making it Malicsi-Lacson of the Liberal Party versus Remulla-Revilla of Alyansang Lakas at Magdalo.

The Alyansang Lakas-Magdalo ticket will be announced on Tuesday, in time for Senator Revilla's birthday celebration.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the two senators and how this latest rivalry will further affect their already strained relations.

Sources close to the two camps noted a chill between the two senators after Jolo was linked to actress Jodi Sta. Maria, the estranged wife of Lacson's other son Pampi.

But Ronald Jay himself sees no reason for any conflict between the Lacsons and the Revillas.

“It just so happened that we’re both gunning for the same position. It’s going to be a friendly fight, nothing personal,” he said.

The two senator-dads, for their part, pledged full support for their respective sons. -- ANC