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Robredo open to backing Isko-Pacquiao tandem in Eleksyon 2022


Vice President Leni Robredo is open to supporting Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for president and Senator Manny Pacquiao for vice president in the May 2022 polls if they will be backed by the broadest coalition against the Duterte administration.

"Yes, if that will be the result of the discussions of the broadest coalition that we can form. Bukas ako sa kahit anong (I am open to anything that) will stop this kind of governance already," Robredo said in an ANC interview when asked is she is willing to support an Isko-Pacquiao tandem.

"The question is, who among us has the ability to form the broadest coalition. 'Yung unity sa 2022 is crucial to moving forward. Di kaya na like-minded lang na mga tao ang nag-uusap (Unity is very crucial here, we cannot afford to limit ourselves to talking to like-minded individuals)," she added.

Asked if he will run for the top post, Moreno said he has yet to decide.

“Decisions will be made and I think there is still ample time to decide. But for now, hayaan muna natin silang mga atat (I will let others who can't wait to go first),” he said.

Pacquiao, for his part, thanked Robredo for her trust in him but he is also yet to decide on what position he will run in the May 2022 polls.

"I’m thankful to Vice President Leni Robredo for her trust in me ngunit tulad ng nasabi ko ay pinag-iisipan ko pang mabuti kung alin sa tatlong option ang pinagpipilian ko: ang presidency, ang tumakbo bilang senador, o ang tuluyan nang magretiro sa pulitika," he said.

(I’m thankful to Vice President Leni Robredo for her trust in me but as what I have been saying, I am still contemplating which of the three options I will choose: seek presidency, reelection, or retire from politics.)

"At kung sakali man na ako ay mag desisyon na tumakbo, sana ay masuportahan ninyo ang aking hangarin  para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bansa. Gusto kong makita sa kulungan ang mga magnanakaw sa ating pamahalaan na siyang dahilan ng paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan. Maraming-maraming salamat po ulit sa inyong pagtitiwala," he added.

(If ever I decide to run, I hope that you will support my aspiration for peace and progress for the country. I also wanted to jail corrupt government officials.)

Robredo has previously said that the opposition should field a singular ticket for president and vice president for the 2022 polls to beat the administration bets, and she has not wavered in this position even if at least 200 groups from the ranks of urban poor, lawyers, labor leaders, teachers, LGBT, among others, have been calling on her to seek the presidency in 2022.

"I am very grateful for the trust and support, I do not take this trust lightly, and I am giving serious thought on this. But running for the post is the easy part," Robredo said.

"Others may say this is about making a statement run. If the circumstances are not this extraordinary, that would have been much easier to decide on," she added.

Robredo has met with Senators Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, and Pacquiao on possible coalition for the 2022 polls, and she said another meeting is expected.

"I have spoken to almost all of the contenders, and we already agreed to talk again and we agreed that we will set aside differences and be on the side of saan ba mas mapapabuti ang lahat (what would beneficial to Filipinos)," she said.

Lacson earlier said that Robredo resisted his unification 'formula' and plans to come up with a “common candidate” against the administration. He thought it indicates that the latter is seriously considering running for president.

No savior mentality

President Rodrigo Duterte already said that he will run for vice president in 2022, but Robredo said such will not be part of her considerations if and when she decides to run for president or not.

"I do not see myself as a savior. I always keep myself close to the ground. Having the very best of intentions is not enough. I always listen to pulse of the people," she said.

"Kung ako 'yun makakahinto kay Bongbong Marcos, ako 'yun. Kung hindi ako (If I am going to be the one who can stop Bongbong Marcos, then I will do it. Otherwise), I am willing to support somebody else," she added.—AOL, GMA News

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