Vice President Leni Robredo has yet to make a decision--even on a personal level--on what position she would run for, if at all, in the May 2022 national elections.
Robredo made this clarification in a chance interview with reporters Friday, Sept. 17 during the launch of the Vaccine Express program in San Fernando, Pampanga.
"Pero hindi rin totoo na may desisyon na. Naririnig ko kasi at marami sa aking nagtatanong na nakapag-desisyon na ako. Hindi pa (It's also not true that there's already a decision. I've heard about it and many are asking me about my decision. There none yet)," she said.
"Kasi kung nakapag-desisyon na ako, bakit ko naman itatago pa iyon, ‘di ba? (If I've already made a decision, why would I keep it to myself?)" noted the opposition leader.
"Kung nasaan ako several weeks ago, nandoon pa rin ako, na iyong possibility na tumakbo, nandoon pa. Iyong possibility na hindi tumakbo, nandoon din (I'm still where I was several weeks ago, meaning both the possibilities of running and not running are still there)," Robredo said.
Robredo, 56, is expected to either run for president or vie for a local position in Camarines Sur in the May polls. Or she could retire.
Asked point blank when she would made her political plans public, the Liberal Party (LP) chairman answered, "third or fourth week of September". At least that the deadline she gave herself.
But based on her next sentence, Robredo seems likely to come up with a decision until the very last minute, or on the last day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).
"Hindi ko alam kung kaya naming ma-beat iyon, pero mayroon pa naman until Oct. 8. Ang dasal ko lang na sana lahat willing (I don't know of we'll be able to beat the deadline, but we have until Oct. 8. My only prayer is, I hope everyone is willing).
"Sana lahat willing na mag-usap. Lahat willing na to set aside kung ano man iyong mga kahirapan namin sa kaniya-kaniyang naming mga grupo for the country (I hope everyone is willing to talk. Willing to set aside for the country the various hindrances that we have from our different groups)," she said.
Robredo's goal during the past few weeks has been to muster a "unity ticket" for the polls. She has separately met with Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, and Senators Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson for this purpose.
Domagoso and Pacquiao said rumored to be eyeing the presidency next year. Lacson has already announced his candidacy for the Palace seat.