Malacañang said that the administration is too busy working on addressing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to think of its candidates for the 2022 elections.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after opposition coalition 1SAMBAYAN named six people who are included in its field of nominees for its candidate for president and vice president in next year's polls.
In his press briefing on Monday, June 14, Roque, who was seen attending an event urging Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run next year, said that the administration has set aside its desire to win in the 2022 elections to focus on the pandemic.
"Nakatutok muna po kami sa pagbabakuna at pandemya (We are currently focused on vaccinating the public and the pandemic)," he said.
"Isinasantabi muna ang mga pangarap at mga kagustuhan na manalo sa eleksyon. Malayo pa sa isipan ng Presidente 'yan (We are setting aside dreams and desires to win in the elections. That's not in the President's mind yet)," he added.
On Saturday, 1SAMBAYAN announced the six nominees the organization will be choosing from to become their candidates for president and vice president in the 2022 elections. These include:
- Vice President Leni Robredo
- Sen. Grace Poe
- Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto
- Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva
- Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
- Lawyer Chel Diokno
In individual statements, Poe and Santos-Recto thanked 1SAMBAYAN for considering them but said they were not considering running for higher office.
On Monday, Roque took a swipe at the coalition after some of its nominees rejected the nominations.
"I'm certain they'll get more votes than those who accepted the nomination," he said.
Last week, Malacañang downplayed the ability of 1SAMBAYAN to field a winning candidate in the 2022 polls after the coalition said the public will reject the Duterte-Duterte tandem next year.
Roque had said the opposition should just wait for the elections to see the real sentiments of the people.