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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sotto determined to seek VP post despite possible rivalry with NPC partymate Gatchalian

Sotto determined to seek VP post despite possible rivalry with NPC partymate Gatchalian

Published Aug 4, 2021 12:19 pm

Confident that he has the "unanimous" support of his partymates, Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) chairman and Senate President Vicente Sotto III declared Wednesday, August 4, that he will not change his mind about seeking the vice presidency even if fellow-NPC member Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, would seek the same post in 2022.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III delivers a speech in the opening of the third regular session of the upper chamber on July 26, 2021. (Senate PRIB)

Gatchalian disclosed in a television interview Wednesday that he plans to run for the country's second highest post in next year's national and local elections, although he said "it is fluid."

Sotto and Gatchalian are both members of the NPC, which was founded by late businessman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr.

"I don't know about the thinking of others, as far as I'm concerned, come October, I'm filing my certificate of candidacy as vice president of the Republic. No preconditions," Sotto said in a text message to the Manila Bulletin when asked for comment.

The veteran politician will be running with his friend and colleague, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who, on other hand, will join the 2022 presidential race. The two are set to formally launch their election tandem on September 8.

During a meeting last July 28, Sotto said that members of the NPC gave their "unanimous consent" on his plan to run for vice president next year.

Despite the possible rivalry between the partymates, Sotto said he believes that there will be no division in the NPC.

"Wala naman siguro (I don't think there will be a split), unless my party mates change their minds and opt for a member instead of their chairman," he said in separate text message.

NPC leaders have also assured him of their support in their recent meeting, Sotto added. He affirmed that he is not worried about Gatchalian's possible vice presidential bid.

Currently, the NPC has 1,167 members nationwide, including three senators and 51 congressmen.

Aside from Sotto and Gatchalian, Sen. Lito Lapid is also a member of the NPC. Sotto said the party has also "adopted" independent Senator Grace Poe.

Earlier, the Lacson-Sotto tandem included Gatchalian in its possible senatorial slate for 2022.

Related Tags

Tito Sotto NPC Sherwin Gatchalian Vice President 2022 polls 2022 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS
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