To run or not to run? Gordon ponders presidential bid

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Richard Gordon on Tuesday disclosed that he was thinking about running for president in the 2022 elections.

“I would be lying if I don’t consider it. I would say na pagka kaya ko at hindi ko hinarap, e baka sabihin ko sa habambuhay ba’t di mo hinarap dahil natakot ako? Takot ako pero hindi ako duwag. Pinagaaralan namin, nagko-conslta ako and I still have until October to decide…Maybe. Maybe, I will consider running again,” said Gordon, who ran for president in 2010 but lost.

(I might say that if I didn’t face it, maybe for the rest of my life, I would say, you didn’t face it because I was afraid, but I’m not a coward… I still have until October to decide… Maybe.)

Gordon was asked if he would join the presidential race in 2022 during a dialogue with the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

“If God gives me strength and the people give me the greatest gift if I run or when I run, I know what I’m gonna do, I can sit down today and become president, and I know what to do. I will not miss a beat,” the senator added.

While he is still undecided on running for higher office, Gordon offered his record as a public servant as evidence of his merits.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of my record. You can compare my record as an executive, as a legislator, as a humanitarian, as somebody who makes [a] decision,” he said.

“You can compare my record in terms of accomplishments; I ain’t that so bad. Nakagawa naman ako kahit na papaano (I was able to do it somehow) and I don’t think I have been in any controversy that has hurt my father or my mother,” he added.

Gordon first served as a senator in 2004. Before this, he sat as mayor of Olongapo City from 1980 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1993.

He was also a former tourism secretary and is the current chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.

“I’ve been a fighter for justice because my father was assassinated. I’ve been a humanitarian because my mother was in the Red Cross for 63 years,” he said.

“I believe that this country has all the things that it needs. All it needs is a capable leader that will provide sustainability, sincerity and the inspiration to make the Filipino believe in himself and work together as a people,” he added.

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