MANILA, Philippines — Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso called on Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday to withdraw from the presidential race.
In a joint press conference, Moreno said Robredo only vied for the country’s highest post to prevent the return of the Marcoses in Malacañang.
“Kung meron mang (If there is a) supreme sacrifice, ‘yung (the) number 2 should do and start initiating the supreme sacrifice. Let Leni withdraw. Withdraw, Leni, if you love your country. Kasi sila ang laban lang naman nila, laban lang kay (because their fight is just against) Marcos,” Moreno stressed
“I’m calling for Leni to withdraw kasi (because) whatever her doing is not effective against the Marcos. Withdraw, come and join us,” he added.
The mayor said that he, fellow presidential bets Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, and former defense chief Norberto Gonzales are offering services to the public.
Moreno also said that one of the them will win the presidency and beat frontrunner former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., should Robredo withdraw.
“Gusto niyo bang huwag manalo si Marcos? Withdraw Leni. Baka may manalo na hindi Marcos, baka isa sa amin,” he said, explaining that some individuals who are against the Liberal Party are just opting for Marcos.
(You don’t want Marcos to win? Withdraw Leni. Someone may win who is not a Marcos, maybe one of us.)
Marcos, son of the late dictator and his namesake, is the leading preferred presidential candidate for the 2022 elections, based on the latest Pulse Asia voter preference survey. He is followed by Robredo.
The three candidates likewise claimed that someone from Robredo’s camp tried to talk them out of the presidential race.
Further, the said hopefuls were asked about their reaction to people who pointed out that the event seemed like macho-politics as they are talking about Robredo.
“This is not about being a woman and a man. This is all about the character. Character. It has nothing to do with the gender,” answered Moreno.