Robredo: Prexy bets' choices for Senate slate reflect their aspirations, values

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday said the presidential aspirants' choices for their respective Senate slates reflect their values and aspirations for the country.

Robredo made the response in light of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno — who, like Robredo, is vying for the presidency in the 2022 elections — saying he would vote for President Rodrigo Duterte for senator and may even include him in his ticket.

"Karapatan naman niya yun [That is his right]," Robredo said of Moreno.

"Pero 'yung choices naman natin, hindi lang iyong for the slate, pero iyong choices naman natin, lahat iyon laging reflection siya ng aspirations natin, reflection ng values na pinahahalagahan natin."

(Our choices, not only for our senatorial slate but all our choices, reflect our aspirations and values.)

Duterte was initially nominated as vice presidential bet of ruling party PDP-Laban led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Even though he has said that he would be retiring from politics after his term ends on June 30, 2022, Duterte filed his candidacy for senator under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) as a substitute candidate for one Liezl Visorde.

Both the Palace and the PDDS are yet to provide details on when and where President Duterte took oath as PDDS member.

Robredo, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration, initially held unity talks with Moreno and Senator Manny Pacquiao for a united opposition ticket, but the talks did not prosper, with Pacquiao and Moreno both declaring intention to run for president in the 2022 elections ahead of Robredo. —KBK, GMA News