Opposition coalition 1Sambayan asked for the public's understanding as its selection process for its candidates in the 2022 elections continued, saying they are eyeing to make the announcement by September 30.
1Sambayan convenor Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio made the statement as opposition supporters expressed their frustrations online while personalities announced their intention to run in next year's polls.
In an online forum, Carpio said that the coalition's target date is September 30 but did not disregard the possibility that they may make the announcement beyond the said date.
"Our target date to announce our candidate is end of this month. Of course, something may come up. There may be a rush of hope," he said.
" may go beyond September 30 but our original target date is September 30," he added.
Carpio explained that it is taking 1Sambayan a long time because the convenors are following a process.
"We are now, we are having our internal survey now, internal consultations. After that, we will process it in the general assembly and the convenors' group," he said.
"We are proceeding according to our own timetable. We are not worried about declarations here and there because we have our own timetable," he added.
The retired magistrate explained that aside from the internal survey, it will also consider the results of surveys of different pollsters. The group will likewise assess the candidates' integrity, track record, competence, patriotism, and vision for the future of Filipinos.
According to Carpio, 1Sambayan is still talking with Vice President Leni Robredo, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Senator Manny Pacquiao.