First option is Robredo’s presidential run, backing other bets not yet considered — spox

MANILA, Philippines — Supporting other candidates for the 2022 presidential elections is not yet considered as the first option remains for Vice President Leni Robredo to vie for the top government post, her spokesperson said Thursday.

Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez made the remark after presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed that Robredo “refused” a “sure unification formula” for the 2022 elections.

Lacson also said that Robredo is “definitely” still open to running for the presidency in 2022.

“First, VP Leni is definitely open to running for President. She has made this clear several times, and despite claims from some quarters to the contrary, her determination on this remains firm,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

“Second, supporting anyone else for President is not yet being considered. The first option is still very clearly for VP Leni to run,” he added.

Robredo has yet to make a final decision on her plans for the 2022 elections but has previously said that she is “open” to run for the presidential post.

If Robredo pushes through with running for the presidency, she will face Lacson who has earlier announced his presidential bid with Senate President Vicente Sotto III as his Vice President.

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