By Addison Pascua

PHOTO: PCOO

Vice President Leni Robredo believes that the country can no longer stand another six years of governance similar to President Rodrigo Duterte as she looks forward to finding a winning formula for the opposition in the upcoming 2022 national elections.

In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday, Robredo dismissed rumors as to why she has not yet released a decision whether she would run as president in next year’s polls claiming that it is important to unite the opposition for the moment to support a single candidate for the 2022 elections.
“I know that the 2022 elections are very important elections, it would determine what we want for the country in the next six years, after the elections… And sa akin, I’ve repeatedly said this, na I don’t think that the country can last another six years with this kind of government practically because we’re in the middle of the pandemic. And we saw hoe governance plays a very crucial role in crisis situations,” Robredo said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday.
Robredo, who is yet to release her final plans in next year’s national elections, said her decision to run as president involves a lot of factors.

“Yong decision-making ko involves a lot of many factors, it’s not just the numbers kasi ‘yon ‘yong paniniwala ng iba, na what’s keeping me from decising is just the numbers. Hindi ‘yon,” she emphasized.

“Yong iba naman ang paniniwala parang personal convenience ko. Sabi ko, I’m way past that. So hindi na ‘yong tanong na gusto mo bang magpangulo o hindi, kasi para sa akin, mas sense of duty na siya eh,” Robredo added.

Coming from separate and opposing parties, Robredo and Duterte were already at odds since they assumed their positions in 2016.

Robredo, however, became sharper with her criticisms and suggestions during the Covid-19 pandemic as she continuously urged the government to address issues in the country squarely.

She underscored that the administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic is one of the many reasons why the opposition should unite for the upcoming 2022 national elections.

“So sa akin ang paniniwala ko, obligasyon ko, obligasyon kong maghanap ng maraming mga options hindi para sa akin kung hindi para sa ikabubuti ng bansa.  And ‘pag sinabi natin na ikabubuti ng bansa, again it’s many different things,” Robredo stated.
Robredo is one of the political figures rumored to be gunning for the country’s top post in next year’s elections along with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Senators Panfilo Lacson, Grace Poe, Richard Gordon, and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

As of the moment, only Lacson has openly confirmed his political plans.

Just recently, Robredo rejected Lacson’s plan to forge a unification of candidates between their camps when the two met to discuss possible alliances for 2022.