MANILA, Philippines — While he has yet to decide on his presidential bid in 2022, Senator Richard Gordon on Friday said he believes he is one of the “most qualified” to become the next Philippine president.
“Pag tinatanong ako, palagay ko kaya ko. Sinasabi ko kaya kong umupo dyan sa posisyon na yan, kung ngayon ay mapapaandar ko yan,” Gordon said in a televised briefing.
(When they ask me, I think I can do it. I tell them I can assume that position and make it work.)
“If you ask me, I’m qualified, I think I’m one of the most qualified, I’m sorry I have to say that dahil kailangan sabihin mo. Dahil wala naman magsasabi na iba,” he added.
(If you ask me, I’m qualified. I think I’m one of the most qualified, I’m sorry I have to say that because you need to say it. Nobody else will say it.)
Gordon earlier disclosed he was pondering about running for president again in the 2022 national elections, admitting he was already studying the possibility.
He previously ran as president in 2010, but lost to Benigno Aquino III.
“Tatakbo ba ako? Tignan natin, abangan ang susunod, magtatanong muna ako sa mga kaibigan natin, yung mga nagtitiwala sa atin, kokonsultahin natin,” Gordon said.
(Will I run? Let’s see, let’s wait, I will first ask and consult with our friends who trust us.)
Gordon has been a public servant since the ‘80s as Olongapo City mayor from 1980 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1993. It was in 2004 when he was first elected as senator.
He was also a former tourism secretary and is the current chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.