The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) will put on hold all political talks related to the upcoming May 2022 national and local elections, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make a negative impact into the lives of many Filipinos, Senator Nancy Binay said on Tuesday.

“As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives and economy, and with the unfolding of another wave of infections brought by new variants that may likely compromise public health and cripple healthcare institutions, the UNA has decided to put on hold all matters concerning alliances, coalitions, and other political activities,” said Binay, UNA’s president, in a statement.

“Amid the atmosphere of 'Elections 2022', UNA finds it cold and insensitive to put on the table any electoral agenda while our people are experiencing uncertainties in the wake of the growing Delta variant cases in country,” she further said.

The senator further stressed that politics is aggravating public health issue and hampering the government’s level of response against the COVID-19.

She said this is why UNA would rather put a high premium in ensuring the health and safety of the people than concern itself with matters pertaining to next year’s elections.

“For this reason, UNA has decided to suspend all talks in connection with the 2022 national elections until further notice so that the party can help and focus well in fighting the pandemic,” she said.

So far, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Panfilo Lacson have confirmed their electoral bid as a tandem in the presidential and vice presidential race next year. They have also disclosed brewing alliances with other different political parties in preparation for the 2022 elections.

On the other hand, President Duterte’s party, the ruling Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)-Laban party, is also embroiled in internal conflicts.