Advocates from different parties including those from PDP-Laban continue to urge President Rodrigo Duterte to run for Vice President in the 2022 national elections according to PDP Laban Deputy Secretary General Atty. Melvin Matibag.
This happened despite the warning from PDP Laban National President Senator Manny Pacquiao.
“Alam mo sa totoo, may warning na ganoon pero paano natin pipigilan? And it will run contrary to one of the principles of PDP Laban which is participatory and consultative democracy,” Matibag shared in an interview with reporters.
“Hindi natin kaya pigilan, kahit na pigilan mo ito. Talagang may uusbong at uusbong,” he insisted.
Matibag said they will continue their consultative meetings to urge the President for the continuity of his programs and agendas. He also assured that there’s no divisiveness in PDP Laban and they are actually reaching out to Pacquiao’s camp.
“Hindi po, wala pong divisiveness, kasi when we go to the ground ‘yung mga local leaders ng key leaders, nandoon po eh. In fact, ang sasabihin ko nga rito what is happening now what is unfolding now is not divisiveness of PDP Laban but more so, solidifying and strengthening and building up the party,” Matibag clarified.
Last week, Sen. Pacquiao, appealed to his party-mates that now is not the time for politics. He also disowned the move urging the president to run for vice president
“Hindi ko alam ‘yan. Hindi ‘yun sanctioned bilang acting president ng partido. Hindi ‘yun authorized.” Sen. Pacquiao pointed out. – Daniel Manalastas