Romualdez says running against Duterte for VP in Eleksyon 2022 not a good option

Running against President Rodrigo Duterte for the vice presidency in the coming 2022 elections is not a good option, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Monday.

In a television interview, Romualdez was asked if he would run for vice president should Duterte heed the call of the ruling party PDP-Laban for him to seek the second highest elective post in the country in next year’s.

“I don’t think that’s a good option,” Romualdez told ANC.

Duterte earlier said he will support Romualdez if the latter decides to run for vice president. Romualdez reiterated that he has no decision yet on whether he will really aspire for the position or not.

Asked in the same interview if he is open to run against relatives, including his cousin former senator Bongbong Marcos, Romualdez said it is also not a good idea. According to the lawmaker, he will always have to consult his family, relatives and his constituents regarding his political plans.

“That wouldn’t be a good idea, we would like to always consult one another so that we avoid any conflicts or confrontations,” Romualdez said.

During the interview, Romualdez acknowledged that Marcos remains a big name in the realm of politics.

Romualdez, nephew of former First Lady Imelda Marcos and cousin of siblings Bongbong and Imee Marcos, said he is proud to have been related to the Marcos family.

“I’m a Romualdez and obviously I’m related to the Marcoses. I’m proud of the relationship,” the Leyte lawmaker said.

“The relationship has always been a good relationship in terms of not just familial but personal relationships… even politically. The Marcoses are still a very very big name in politics and having them with you is always a plus,” he added.

Senate run

Romualdez bared that he is also open to runnung for senator in the coming polls. As he weighs his options, Romualdez said his priority right now is the welfare of his constituents in Leyte province.

“I’m open… I’m open to any suggestions,” Romualdez said.

Last week, Romualdez said the Lakas-Christian Muslims Democrats would support Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte if the latter decides to seek a higher post in 2022. He admitted that Sara as his possible running mate would be a priority because of the strengthened alliance of their political parties, however, he is still keeping his options open.

“Well, obviously the alliance is with the HNP (Hugpong Ng Pagbabago) so that will be the priority,” Romualdez said.

“We’ll keep our options open, we’ll see how things come along,” Romualdez added. — RSJ, GMA News