Vice President Leni Robredo has denied that a personality who recently announced his bid for the presidency in the upcoming 2022 elections asked for P1 billion to agree to run as her vice president in the polls.
Robredo made the statement after a social media post alleged that Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso asked the Vice President for a P1-billion "goodwill fee" for him to become her running mate under a unification ticket.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Sept. 24, the Vice President categorically denied that such a demand was made.
"I was informed of a post circulating that, allegedly, a presidential contender asked for P1 billion to agree to run as my vice president," she said.
"Wala pong katotohanan ito. Wala pong monetary consideration na pinag-usapan sa lahat ng mga meetings na dinaluhan ko (There is no truth to this. All the meetings I have attended did not talk of any monetary consideration)," she added.
Robredo urged the public to stop spreading fake news and instead help fight disinformation on social media.
"Nakikiusap po tayo na wala sanang magpapakalat ng fake news. Sa lahat ng panahon, mahalaga na katotohanan lagi ang pinaiiral (I ask that no one will spread fake news. It is important that we push for the truth at all times)," she said.
"Huwag na po sana tayong gagaya sa mga trolls. Kung gusto niyo pong makatulong, labanan nalang natin ang mga kasinungalungan na nasa social media (Let us not be like the trolls. If we want to help, let us fight the lies that we see on social media)," she added.
Robredo is yet to make a decision whether or not she will run for the Palace seat in 2022. She, however, remained consistent that opposition forces should unify for the elections.
It was earlier reported that Robredo had been in talks with Domagoso and Senator Manny Pacquiao, but the latter two have already declared their bid for the presidency.
In an interview with Radyo Katipunan on Friday, Robredo said that the unity talks have felt like a rollercoaster ride for her.
"May isang point last week na akala ko sa susunod na araw pwede na kami mag-announce na nagkasundo kami tapos hindi natuloy (There was a point last week when I thought we could finally announce that we have reached an agreement but it did not push through)," she said.
"May mga ganoon. So ano siya, rollercoaster ride (There were things like that. It's like a rollercoaster ride)," she added.