House Majority Leader Romualdez thanks Duterte for support but will keep options open

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez on Thursday expressed his gratitude for the support extended to him by President Rodrigo Duterte if ever he runs for vice president in the 2022 elections. 

The Leyte representative, however, said he has yet to draw up plans for next year.

In a statement, Romualdez thanked President Duterte "for his trust and confidence in me to hold the second highest position of the land."

"I am deeply honored that he considers me, a Congressman from the Eastern Visayas worthy to serve as the country’s next Vice President. For this I will be eternally grateful to the President," he added.

Duterte on Wednesday expressed his support for Romualdez after signing four bills into law at the Palace and Romualdez was in attendance.

“Another serious contender [for speaker] was Congressman Romualdez. Sabi ko, huwag ka na maghabol riyan. Next election, if you run for Vice President, I will support you,” said Duterte, himself urged to run for the vice president post through a resolution adopted by the ruling party PDP-Laban.

OPTIONS OPEN FOR MAY 2022

Meanwhile, Romualdez did not disclose his plans regarding the elections on May 2022 as he opts to focus his legislative work in the House of Representatives.

"Currently I am keeping my options open with regard to the 2022 elections," he said.

"As the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, I am focused on steering the approval of vital legislative measures that the President wishes to be passed before his term ends next year," he added.

Romualdez admits that Duterte's support adds some weight on the decision he will make in relation to the upcoming national and local elections.

"For sure, the President’s warm support and words of encouragement will weigh heavily on whatever decision I have to make in October 2021. Let me assure the President that I will seek his guidance in the pursuit of this decision. Maraming salamat po, Pangulong Duterte, sa tiwala. Asahan ninyo po, hindi ko kayo bibiguin sa ating pagkakaisa sa paglilingkod sa ating mga mamamayan," he said. -- BAP, GMA News