FILE PHOTO: Vice President Leni Robredo.
MANILA, Philippines — Speculation that Vice President Leni Robredo has already given way to other potential presidential candidates in the 2022 race is “extremely premature,” her spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said.
According to Gutierrez, as there is no definitive announcement yet from Robredo regarding her plans for the 2022 national elections, such assumptions preempt her decision.
“It is extremely premature to talk of ‘giving way’ when VP Leni has not yet made a definitive announcement regarding her candidacy for President,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
“What she has said before stands: she remains open to running for President, and will announce her decision at the appropriate time,” he added.
Gutierrez was referring to statements made by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who said that he hopes Robredo has not yet stepped aside to give way to Senator Panfilo Lacson — who has announced his intent to run for president.
Trillanes’ reaction came after Senators Lacson and Richard Gordon admitted of having separate meetings with Robredo, discussing on forging a broad coalition to challenge the administration’s candidate for the 2022 polls.
READ: Lacson bares talks with Robredo ahead of 2022 polls | Gordon in talks with Robredo for possible ‘partnership’ ahead of 2022 polls
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has confirmed these meetings.
But aside from this, Trillanes — a known ally of Robredo and the Liberal Party (LP) — warned that he and the Magdalo group would not support the said party if they would give way to Lacson.
The LP, Robredo, and other factions within the opposition have expressed openness to forming a coalition and fielding a single candidate in the 2022 presidential elections for a higher chance of victory.
Last June 22, LP president Senator Francis Pangilinan said that the party is reaching out to Lacson and other rumored names such as Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for the “broadest unity possible” come election time.
This is not the first time that Trillanes had a brush with OVP regarding Robredo’s possible 2022 bid: last May 12, Gutierrez had to clarify that the Vice President had yet to confirm her candidacy for Camarines Sur’s gubernatorial post.
While the rumor about Robredo running for a local position did not start from him, Trillanes claimed in May that Robredo is no longer seeking the presidency — prompting him to present himself as an alternative candidate.
READ: OVP clarifies: Robredo hasn’t decided on 2022 plans yet; focus still on COVID-19
Gutierrez has also reminded LP and its allies to keep calm while waiting for the Vice President’s decision, citing the irony between the opposition getting irritated at overeager politicians while urging Robredo to make a decision as soon as possible.
READ: OVP spox to allies: Respect Robredo’s decision for next year’s polls
While the administration has yet to name its candidate, various surveys have shown that President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, has started to lead the pack, which may indicate a hard uphill battle for the opposition.
According to Pulse Asia’s recent survey, Duterte-Carpio would be well ahead if elections were held in June, with Moreno ranking second.
READ: Duterte-Duterte tandem leads in Pulse Asia survey