Vice President Leni Robredo can beat presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio if they both run in the 2022 presidential polls for one simple fact: she can offer change, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on Monday, June 7.
The former senator faced off with Duterte-Carpio’s avid supporter, former Camarines Sur 1st District representative Rolando Andaya Jr., on ABS-CBN’s “After the Fact.”
Trillanes believes that the people are clamoring for change and that they do not want a continuation of the Duterte governance.
“We are the only ones who can carry that message for change. None of the administration candidates could ever do that because they’re about continuing whatever it is that we have now,” Trillanes, who is a staunch critic of President Duterte, said.
“If you lead in that fantasy world of the pro-Duterte camp, then you would say you want this fantasy to continue. But for those who have their feet on the ground, those seeing the truth, then you would want and long for change. That’s what the opposition can do,” he added.
Trillanes earlier revealed his plans to run as president but only if Robredo will not agree to become the opposition’s standard-bearer. Opposition coalition 1Sambayan said they are considering the former senator’s name.
READ: Trillanes wants to be opposition's standard bearer in 2022 elections
In pre-election surveys, Robredo has only placed fifth, ranking behind Duterte-Carpio, Senator Grace Poe and Manny Pacquiao, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
She remains unclear about her political plans next year, only saying that the gubernatorial post in her home province of Camarines Sur appeals to her.
Andaya earlier said that Robredo will run as governor, voicing out his support of her. The vice president refuted these speculations, adding that she still remains open to seeking the presidency next year.
READ: Robredo on 2022 election plans: 'no decision yet'
Duterte-Carpio also hasn’t announced her plans for next year, although she repeatedly said in the past that she does not intend to run as president.
However, during her birthday last week, she received several politicians who might be her running mate. Among them were former senator Bongbong Marcos and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, and former Defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro.