The endorsement of the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo by PDP-Laban Vice President for the Visayas Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone is the latter's personal choice and may not be the same as the party's stand, Malacañang said.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made the statement after Evardone expressed his support for Robredo's candidacy in the 2022 polls, citing the qualifications set by President Duterte himself.
In his press briefing on Wednesday, March 16, Andanar said that endorsing the Vice President was Evardone's personal choice.
"That is the personal choice of my good friend, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone," he said.
"Hindi po natin tiyak kung 'yan po ang official stand ng (We are not sure if that is the official stand of) PDP-Laban and the officers of PDP-Laban. Specifically, Secretary Al Cusi will be in the best position to answer that," he added.
In an interview on Saturday, President Duterte preferred that his successor be a lawyer who is compassionate, decisive, and a good judge of character.
"'Wag kang matakot. Basta (Don't be afraid. Just)... It's the best quality. But of the good qualities of the president, sana abogado (I wish they're a lawyer)," he said.
According to Evardone, Robredo is the only one who has crossed all items in the President's checklist.
"For me and for millions of Filipinos, there is only one decisive and compassionate lawyer among those aspiring to be President and she is VP Leni," he said.
The high-ranking PDP-Laban official likewise said that his endorsement of the Vice President has Duterte's blessing.
Meanwhile, Andanar said in his briefing that President Duterte continues to be neutral in the elections.
"For the President's part, PRRD remains to support no one in the presidential race unless there is a compelling reason," he said.