Cayetano eyeing presidential run in Eleksyon 2022

Former speaker and Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday revealed that he is considering running for president in the 2022 national elections.

"I'm seriously considering running for president or for other positions but I'm really praying and discerning about it," Cayetano said in a press conference.

Cayetano said at present, he wants to be part of a team that will create a five-year plan for the Philippines, especially in light of the lingering threat of COVID-19.

He added that he wants to push for the P10,000 cash assistance under the proposed Bayanihan 3 law.

"I really like the opportunity [to pass this] P10,000 [cash aid] and to be part of forming a five-year plan. Anyone and everyone who is qualified and could be a good president should now contribute in putting together a five-year plan so that whoever wins, at least the country already has a plan," he said.

Meanwhile, Cayetano said "anything is possible" when asked what he would do if Senator Manny Pacquiao will approach him and asked if they could be a tandem in the 2022 elections.

He said Pacquiao is his friend and that they could talk anytime. However, he pointed out that he wants to see first the political perspective of anyone whom he could run with in the elections.

"Anyone who asked me for my support or if I will ask them for the support, napakaimportante na ipakita nating doable 'yung plano at may plano.
Perspective politika," Cayetano said.

He said politicians should no longer do the "usual gimmicks" of denying their intention to run when they really want to do so.

"Sana ‘yung usual gimmick na usual pabebe, usual tanggi o pakipot politics, isantabi natin ‘yan kasi we really have to know ‘yung character nung candidate, ‘yung vision, ‘yung track record, anong ipapangako n’ya sa tao. Seryosong masyadong usapan ito," Cayetano said.

(I'm hoping that the usual gimmick of denying the desire to run will not be practiced by politicians. We really have to know the character of the candidate, his/her vision, track record and what he/she will promise to the public. This is a serious matter.)

Cayetano was President Rodrigo Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 national elections. He also served as foreign affairs secretary and senator. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News