Opposition coalition 1Sambayan convenor Howard Calleja said that the group’s candidates for the May 2022 elections are willing to set aside their “personal interests” for the good of the Filipino people.

Calleja, a lawyer, shared that the coalition’s candidates for next year are thinking about the “bigger interests.”

“The bigger picture really is our survival 2022 and onwards. If we lose this election to the bad governance that we have, if it will continue, then I think we will have a worst Philippines in the years and decades to come,” he said in a recent interview on ANC.

1Sambayan hopes to nominate a united opposition slate for the 2022 polls in an aim to defeat the candidates who are expected to be endorsed by President Duterte, who still enjoys a high trust rating despite the number of issues hounding his administration.

Although she hasn’t revealed her political plans for next year, Vice President Leni Robredo also believes that a united candidate is needed to defeat the administration’s standard-bearer next year.

READ: Opposition must have a common standard-bearer in 2022 — Robredo

Even if she eventually decides not to seek the presidency, Robredo stressed that she will work with the coalition to find a candidate that can unite the opposition.

But Calleja noted that creating a united slate is “more of a possibility now than a year before.”

“I think we are very confident that what you hope, what we dream of that they will come and unite for the 2022 elections and for the benefit of the country,” he added.

1Sambayan will reveal its final list of nominees for president on Saturday, June 12. Aside from Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Senator Grace Poe, and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV are also expected to be the coalition’s nominees.

READ: 1Sambayan to release final nominees' list for 2022 polls on June 12

The group earlier said that it wants the people to participate in deciding who the opposition should field for the presidency.

Calleja remains confident that 1Sambayan’s “system” and “process” will work for the good of the country.

“We will have a formula that the personalities mentioned will unite because I think in our conversations with them and I trust our conversations with them, that their personal interest can be set aside towards the bigger interest which is of the nation and of the people,” he said.

“I think that resonates to all of the candidates we have talked to. And I trust and I’m grateful that in our efforts to put all things together, I think it will come into play for the May 2022 elections not only for the president and vice president, but also for our 12 senators,” Calleja added.