Should he run for president, Senator Richard Gordon said he would choose a "public health person" to be his vice president.
"I'm looking for a public health person. We have to get out of COVID. And I will need somebody other than my secretary of health and other than the Congress to be sure that somebody's on the ball papaano tayo lalabas sa pandemic (on how we can get out of the pandemic)," Gordon disclosed in an online press briefing with Senate reporters Tuesday, August 24.
"They will oversee the secretary of health. They will oversee and recommend kung ano ang gagawin natin sa (what we would do with) COVID. Public health is a concern," he stressed.
While he has yet to decide whether or not to pursue a presidential bid in 2022, Gordon said he is already "talking with some people" who could be his running mate.
He confirmed speaking with a doctor, although he refused to elaborate.
"I will just say that he's got to have public health experience because that is a problem," he said.
Aside from a public health practitioner, Gordon said he is also considering tapping a running mate who has a background in education and people who have a "good track record."
"Certainly somebody who can help, not be treated as a flower vase. Somebody that is relevant," he said.
Gordon previously admitted that he is considering joining the 2022 presidential race.
On Tuesday, he maintained that he is "keeping his options open", adding that he may also run for reelection in the Senate, or to return as mayor of Olongapo, or retire.
"I don't think I want to be vice president," Gordon, however, said.
He said will make a decision by September or October.