2022 presidential race? Drilon says ‘count me out’

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon will not be throwing his hat in the ring for the 2022 presidential race.

“The opposition will have a (presidential) candidate. Count me out,” Drilon said Wednesday in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel when about his thoughts on a suggestion that he is “presidential material.”

Earlier, Drilon said the Liberal Party (LP) is gearing up for the upcoming elections but is deliberately staying “below the radar” so as not to compromise their efforts to help respond to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I would emphasize that today we live in a crucial period. Being in the opposition is not easy, especially with the troll farms all over the place,” Drilon went on.

“We are willing to cooperate and provide to the best of our abilities policies that we believe can help our country get out of this difficulty. But we hope that we are listened to also,” he added.

Currently, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan serves as the party’s president while Drilon is vice-chairman.

Vice President Leni Robredo, holding the highest public office among party members, sits as chairman.

/MUF