Senator Koko Pimentel, head of PDP-Laban Pimentel-wing, said Tuesday, April 5 that allowing his party-mate, presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao to run under a different party in the May 9 Palace race was actually a "tactical decision".
Pimentel also said that the move to permit Pacquiao to carry the Province First Development Initiative (PROMDI) party "was a good decision" and was even hatched by "the highest level in the party".
The veteran lawmaker made the pronouncement to refute claims that his faction weakened following this move in the PDP-Laban, which is now divided into two. The other faction, which has no presidential bet, is headed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
"That was a strategic, tactical decision we made. Because at the time of filing of certificate of candidacy (COC), there was already a case . So we were looking for scenario A, scenario B," Pimentel said.
Pimentel also found it advantageous for the party's presidential bet to run under a different party because it "doubled our forces".
"So nagdouble agad (It immediately doubled). We had a party based in Cebu," he said.
"It also incorporates the possible adverse development in the case," he added.
Meanwhile, Pimentel believes Pacquiao still has a chance of winning in the elections. He said he does not agree with recent survey results, wherein the boxing legend-turned-solon placed either on fourth or fifth spot.
"I've lost my trust on surveys," he said.