Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and House Deputy Speaker Vilma-Santos Recto will be supporting Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso in his plan to run for president next year.
The senator confirmed this to reporters following reports that political leaders in Batangas would back Domagoso's bid for presidency.
The mayor has formally announced his plan Wednesday, September 22.
"Yes, Vilma and I , including supporters in Batangas and coordinators nationwide are supporting Mayor Isko and Dr. Willy Ong for president and Vice President, respectively," Recto said.
"Mayor Isko has the training, skills, experience and leadership to be an outstanding president. He has shown this as mayor of Manila most specially during this pandemic. He is young, energetic and implements his programs quickly. In 'Bilis kilos' fashion," the senator said.
According to him, Domagoso "will make a good President".
"May god bless them both and May god bless the Philippines," Recto added.
The two are both members of the Nacionalista Party (NP), which is headed by former Senate president and business mogul Manny Villar, and incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar.
The political party is among those earlier reported to be seeking an alliance with the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), led by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, for the 2022 elections.
Recto told the Manila Bulletin that they will remain members of the NP, and "are supportive of party mate Mark Villar", who will reportedly run for senator.
But he said they "also belong to One Batangas, our local party."
"One Batangas is supporting Mayor Isko and Dr. Willy Ong," he reiterated.
Recto had said that Santo-Recto, who currently represents Batangas's 6th District, might run for senator next year.
"If she (Vilma) runs it will be with Mayor Isko and Dr. Willy Ong. Will decide by Sept. 30," he said.
Domagoso previously announced that Ong will be his running mate for vice president.
Aside from Domagoso, Senators Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao will also be running for president.
Meanwhile, President Duterte and Senate President Vicente Sotto III have also announced their plans to run for vice president.