On 2022 presidential run: Robredo opts to focus first on VP role

Vice President Leni Robredo prefers not to think about running for President in the 2022 elections yet as she wants to focus on the projects she currently undertakes.

Robredo made the remark amid speculation of a possible race against presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who will decide if she would run for President by January 2021.

In an interview at a multisectoral meeting and dialogue in Pampanga on Tuesday, Robredo said she believes the presidency is a "destiny" that can never be prepared for.

"Maraming nagbalak, pero kapag para sa iyo ito, magiging sa iyo. Kapag hindi talaga ito para sa iyo, kahit anong gawin mo, hindi sa iyo ibibigay," she said.

Robredo said she does not want to think about running for President for now as she has a lot on her plate as Vice President, such as the Angat Buhay program.

"Kapag 2022 yung iisipin ko, ang parati ko nang konsiderasyon yung eleksyon. Kapag ang konsiderasyon ko eleksyon, parati na sigurong magiging requirement ko, dapat pupuntahan namin na mga community maraming botante, dapat yung pupuntahan naming community hindi sayang sa oras," she said.

Choosing to go to vote-rich communities, Robredo said, will give her lesser time to visit their adopted communities that, despite not having many voters, need political awareness.

"Kapag ang iniisip ko na iyong pagkakandidato ko, tapos na itong lahat. Parang mawawala yung Angat Buhay," Robredo said.

Duterte-Carpio, on Monday, said running for president is a decision that requires a lot of thought.

"Depende sa circumstances, siguro gumawa na lang tayo ng deadline na January 2021," she told reporters during a Hugpong ng Pagbabago campaign stop in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. — BAP, GMA News