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Jun Simon 'not authorized' to ask Lacson to back out from prexy race — Robredo spox

Philippines

Jun Simon 'not authorized' to ask Lacson to back out from prexy race — Robredo spox

By Raymund Antonio

Former Quezon City Mayor Jun Simon has no authority to speak for Vice President Leni Robredo and her campaign when he allegedly asked Senator Panfilo Lacson to withdraw from the presidential race, her spokesperson said on Monday, April 11.

Vice President Leni Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez (VPLR Media Bureau)

However, Robredo's spokesman Barry Gutierrez did not clarify in the statement if Simon is connected in any way to their campaign.

"Former Mayor Jun Simon is not authorized to speak for the campaign. If he indeed talked to Senator Lacson, then that is his personal initiative," he said.

"Our position is crystal clear—VP Leni's choice for Vice President is Senator Kiko Pangilinan, and we will do our utmost in the remaining 28 days before May 9 to work for his election," the former lawmaker added.

His statement came amid Lacson's revelation that Simon approached him and asked for him to back out from the race, promising to make Pangilinan withdraw his vice presidential bid for Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.

Lacson and Sotto are running mates.

In an earlier interview on CNN's "The Source," Gutierrez dared the senator to reveal the name of the person who was making him withdraw from the race.

READ: Robredo camp dares Lacson to identify person talking to him about 'withdrawal'

He issued the challenge as he denied any effort from Robredo's camp to unify with other presidential bets.

While the Vice President is open to the possibility of unifying with other presidential candidates, her spokesman said this is not something they are actively pursuing at this point.

Related Tags

jun simon VP Leni Robredo Leni Robredo Kiko Pangilinan presidential elections Panfilo Lacson withdrawal

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