Gordon vows to run as an independent if he seeks presidency in 2022
Senator Richard Gordon said on Tuesday he would be an independent candidate if he ever decides to run for president in the May 2022 national elections.
“I want to remain independent for the people,” Gordon said at the sidelines of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 1971 Constitutional Convention.
“Ang presidente para sa tao yan at galing sa tao ang kapangyarihan mo. Dapat nirerepesto mo ang tao palagi (The presidency is for the people, and your authority comes from the people. You should respect the people’s mandate always),” Gordon stressed.
Asked if he would be running for president in the May 2022 elections, Gordon remained coy about his political plans.
“I’m not yet running. I want that clear—I’m not yet running. But if I do run, I’m ready,” the senator said.
“I want to make sure na talagagn gugustuhin ko yan (that I would be ready to accept the role). Which means, I’m ready to take charge. If you ask me now, I can take over right now. If you want to, but I’m not yet running,” the veteran lawmaker said.
Other senators who are reportedly eyeing the presidency are Senators Panfilo Lacson, Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, while Senate President Vicente Sotto III admitted he is considering running for vice president.
On Monday, President Duterte’s political party, the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)-Laban, adopted a resolution formally urging the Chief Executive to seek the vice presidency in next year’s elections.