The 75-year-old Liberal Party is not rushing Vice President Leni Robredo to make her decision whether she likes to run for presidency in the 2022 national elections.
Senator Francis ‘’Kiko’’N. Pangilinan, LP president, said the 2004, 2010 and 2016 elections showed that early announcement of an intent to run and a lead in poll survey ratings are no guarantees for victory.
Former Senator Antonio ‘’Sonny’’ Trillanes IV had announced his intention to seek the presidency should Robredo opt to run for governor in the Bicol region.
Filing of certificate of candidacy to run for elective positions is in October.
Pangilinan cited the last minute decision of then Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III in 2010 presidential election and Davao city Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to run successfully in the 2016 presidential race.
At present, the LP likes to Robredo to run for the presidency, he said.
In the event Robredo decides not to run the presidency, the LP will then talk with other parties and personalities in order to come up with an opposition leader, he pointed out.
Pangilinan said the basic criterion in choosing the possible party candidate is sincerity.
He admitted that the LP is gearing up for an information fight in the coming presidential polls such as trolling and bashing in social media.
He recalled that the opposition was victim of trolling and bashing in social media in the 2019 elections.
Pangilinan admitted that the party has no funds to besmirch its political foes through the social media.