Isko firm on Eleksyon 2022 presidential bid, won’t slide down to VP

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has remained firm on his 2022 presidential run, ruling out possibilities of running as vice presidential bet under a united opposition ticket.

Moreno issued his remark days after formally announcing his presidential bid with Dr. Willie Ong as his running mate.

"Ayoko ng tsubi-tsubibong buhay. Kaya tayo nagkakandaloko-loko dahil sa flip- flopping (I don't like a life of rollercoaster. We are in this mess because of flip flopping)," Moreno said in an ANC interview when asked if he would slide down as a vice presidential bet.

"We are in a pandemic and people need decisiveness. Our lives get more challenging because of that kind of character [of being indecisive]," he added.

Moreno also said he is already satisfied with having Dr. Ong as his running mate.

"I am happy and grateful for Dr. Willie, that he said yes [to be my running mate]," Moreno said, adding that Ong will not be replaced by Senator Grace Poe.

"As far as I know, walang ganun (that is not possible). Wala talaga, masaya na ako kay Doc Willie. I am very excited, honored being with him. Di ko papalitan si Doc Willie," he said.

"The sooner we decide, the better for everyone. Kami, so far, wala ng ganun ganun [na magpapalit pa]. Tatakbo, di tatakbo, nabili na 'yun eh (Being indecisive has been the thing of the past). I don't want to be the same." 

Still, Moreno said he is in touch with all parties who want reconciliation and unity, including those from the Duterte  administration.

"I continue to speak to a lot of people, including the Vice President and [the] administration people," Moreno said.

"Ang unity walang pinipiling grupo. If they are for reconciliation, healing, ang unity, hindi 'yan nakakordon (Unity does not cordon off anyone)," he said.

The filing of candidacy for the 2022 polls is scheduled from October 1 to 8.

Robredo earlier said she was eyeing a meeting with both Moreno and Senator Manny Pacquiao for a united opposition ticket.

Moreno said the meeting indeed took place but refused to disclose the specific details.

Pacquiao has also declared his 2022 presidential run, but has no vice presidential candidate yet.  — RSJ, GMA News