Vice President Leni Robredo is open to seeking reelection if that's what it takes to unite the opposition against President Rodrigo Duterte's bet in 2022, the president of her party said on Wednesday.
Someone has to "give way," Sen. Francis Pangilinan said of Robredo's predicament. The Vice President has failed to unite three politicians who have all declared their candidacies for president -- Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senators Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson.
"Napag-usapan kasi that's part of unity talks. Hindi naman pwedeng tatlo sabay-sabay tatakbo. Kailangan mag-give way. That's part of the discussions and the unity talks," he said.
"If that is something that will unite everyone, why not? She's open to the discussion, but I cannot speak on her behalf," he said.
Unlike the president who only has a single six-year term, the 1987 Constitution allows the vice president two consecutive terms. A reelection bid will pit Robredo against the President, her political nemesis, who will attempt an unprecedented step down to the vice presidency.
Pangilinan said Robredo is in "deep discernment" as she weighs calls for her to seek the presidency.
"She's seeking the understanding and the patience of her supporters and that she is aware of the deadline. She's aware that decisions have to be made. That's where she is at the moment," he added.
Robredo earlier said she was ready to run for president should be chosen as the unity candidate of the opposition.
"Marami tayong mga realities na kailangan nating harapin. Pero gaya ng sabi ko, yung assurance ko sa lahat, walang pagduda na kapag ako yung unity candidate, handang-handa ako," she said during her weekly radio program.
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