Erice hopeful there's still chance for unification between Leni, Isko

A former Liberal Party stalwart is hoping that there will still be unification between Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, both presidential aspirants for Eleksyon 2022.

Caloocan City Representative Edgar Erice, who is part of Moreno's Aksyon Demokratiko, was asked in a television interview on Tuesday if the relationship between Robredo and Moreno is "hopeless" at this point.

"I think there's a chance for unification. Kung lalabas 'yung numbers, makikita naman natin 'yan. Sinasabi ko nga dapat open si Mayor Isko, dapat open si Vice President Leni kung ano 'yung picture ng numbers at kung wala naman talagang ibang dapat gawin para matapos na itong pang-aabuso ng gobyernong ito, hindi na makabalik 'yung mga Marcos," Erice told ANC.

(I think there's a chance for unification. We can see that in the numbers. But, Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice President Leni Robredo must be open to what the numbers are saying and what should be done so that abuses in the government and the return of the Marcoses will be prevented.)

"Ako, Martial Law baby. Alam na alam ko 'yung nangyari... Dapat may repentance, dapat may atonement. Pero walang ganoon eh. So para mapigilan 'yun, dapat magpakumbaba ang bawat isa," he added.

(I'm a Martial Law baby. I know what happened. There should be repentance and atonement but at this point, there's none. For it to be prevented, each must show humility.)

Robredo is trailing Moreno in pre-election polls on 2022 presidential bets, but she has said that the survey is just one of the considerations in pursuing a presidential bid.

Former Ifugao Congressman Teddy Baguilat, in response, called out Erice for allegedly betraying their cause of opposing the Duterte administration's deadly drug war by joining the camp of Moreno.

"I feel betrayed, Congressman Erice. We fought for our principles for three years in the opposition. We were harassed, deprived of funding, put in a tough spot. But we persevered, inspired by Vice President Leni’s leadership. Now, [why are you] selling your soul for 20 pieces of silver?” Baguilat said on Twitter.

"Ang pinuno mo ba ngayon nagsalita laban sa EJK (extrajudicial killings) or nanahimik lang? Bakit ka tumalon sa pikit mata sa EJK? (Did your leader take a stand against extrajudicial killings or did he remain silent? Why jump ship and turn a blind eye to these killings)?” he added.

Robredo's leadership, Baguilat said, is anchored on principles, not on what is convenient at the moment. 

"Her leadership inspires. And it is clear that we will fight rotten politics, and that will need clarity in principles. Sabi nga ni Ma'am: Kung hindi mo man lang kayang sabihing mali ang mali, nakaninong panig ka ba talaga?  (As the Vice President said, if you cannot say what is wrong is wrong, what do you really stand for),” said Baguilat, who is running for senator under Robredo’s ticket.

"The Vice President's stand is clear: she stands with our people who wants to end hunger, poverty and killings with good and honest governance," he added.

Robredo had said she will no longer pursue unity talks with her fellow 2022 presidential aspirants, as her focus now is on "people's support."

She filed her certificate of candidacy for president on October 7. Prior to that, Robredo met with Moreno and Senator Manny Pacquiao separately to discuss a united opposition ticket.

Moreno had dismissed calls for him to withdraw his presidential bid, saying that it was also his right to aspire for the highest position in the country. 

Pacquiao is also running for president in 2022, having filed his COC on October 1. —KG/VBL, GMA News