Senator Richard Gordon on Friday expressed the belief that he is qualified to be the next president of the Philippines but is still pondering whether or not to pursue this possibility for the upcoming May 2022 national elections.
Gordon said he believes it is imperative that those gunning for the presidency should have the experience, vision and integrity.
“Anybody can run for the presidency...but he should armed with the qualifications, and track record,” Gordon said in Filipino during a televised briefing on state run PTV-4.
“If you ask me, I’m qualified. I think I can do it, I can assume that position and I can make it work, “ Gordon said, adding that he is lawyer and has experience on foreign relations.
“But will I run? Tingnan natin abangan ang susunod...Magtatanong muna ako sa mga kaibigan natin, nagtitiwala sa atin (Let’s see what happens next. I’ll consult with my friends first, those who have trust in me),” he said.
However, he concedes, that some people may thumb down his idea because they probably do not like his strict work ethic.
“(But) if you ask me, I’m qualified, I think I’m one of the most qualified, I’m sorry I have to say that dahil kailangan sabihin mo . Dahil wala naman magsasabi na iba (because I need to say it. Because no one else will do that),” Gordon said.
The senator was a former Olongapo City mayor and a former tourism secretary. He is currently chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.
He ran for president in the May 2010 elections but lost to then Senator Benigno Aquino III.