Vice President Leni Robredo said she would gladly face former Senator Bongbong Marcos in the 2022 presidential elections if the unified opposition ticket would pick her as its candidate for the presidency.

Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Bongbong Marcos (file photos)

Robredo made the statement two weeks before the start of the filing of the certificates of candidacy of those who want to run in the 2022 elections.

In an interview during the launch of the Office of the Vice President's (OVP's) Vaccine Express in San Fernando, Pampanga on Friday, September 17, Robredo reiterated her openness to run for president if the unified opposition would pick her as its candidate.

She added that she would do that even if it would mean having another face-off with Marcos.

"Kung ano iyong mapili ng unity ticket, tatakbo ako. Kung ako iyon. (If the unity ticket would choose me, I will run)," Robredo said.

"Kung one-on-one na Bongbong Marcos, lalaban ako kahit dehado. Kung one-on-one na Bongbong Marcos at saka ako, laban ako (If it's just me and Bongbong Marcos, I will run even if I'm at a disadvantage)," she added.

Robredo and Marcos had a long legal battle on the former's victory as vice president in the 2016 polls.

Early this month, Marcos, despite losing to Robredo five years ago, expressed confidence that he can beat the Vice President should they have another face-off in the 2022 elections.

Meanwhile, Vice President Robredo said the decision of the unified opposition is important because it would mean they would have a better chance of winning in the elections.

"Kahit sino ang kalaban, basta ako iyong pipiliin ng anti-admin forces, laban ako (Regardless of the enemy, as long as the anti-administration forces will pick me, I will put up a fight)," Robredo said.

"Iyong pine-prevent ko lang naman na kami-kami maghihiwa-hiwalay. Iyon iyong pine-prevent ko kaya nag-e-exert ako ng effort na pag-isahin lahat (What I'm trying to prevent is us breaking apart. That's why I'm exerting an effort to unify us)," she added.

Robredo has yet to make a decision regarding her political plans in 2022.

#face-off

Robredo open to another face-off with Marcos in 2022