BUHAY party-list Rep. Lito Atienza on Monday said he would only withdraw from the vice presidential race in the May 9 elections if it would pave the way for a tandem between Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
Atienza, who is still recovering from a knee surgery that forced him to miss campaign activities, told CNN Philippines that he would back out from the race only if it would cause a "realignment of forces."
Pressed further, he said he would only withdraw if Sen. Panfilo Lacson would also quit his presidential bid. Lacson is running for president with Sotto for vice president.
"If my withdrawal will cause a realignment of forces, yes. But if it will not cause anything and I will merely desert the side of Pacquiao, no. I don't want my withdrawal to weaken Manny Pacquiao's campaign in any way," Atienza said when asked if he would withdraw from the race.
"Para sa akin, ang withdrawal ni Ping will clear the realignment of Pacquiao and Sotto without anybody getting affected," he added.
Atienza earlier said he hoped Lacson would consider withdrawing from the race too, as it would allow for a change in structure that would "completely demolish" the tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Lacson said he was insulted by Atienza's statement, maintaining that he would not back out. He is now running as an independent candidate after he quit Partido Reporma because its leaders recently decided to endorse Vice President Leni Robredo instead.
READ: What's Next for Ping Lacson After Own Party Endorses Leni Robredo?
Atienza said he was merely making a suggestion as he would not want to get in the way of Lacson and Sotto's partnership.
"Ping, I did not insult you. The insult may just come from your imagination. I merely made a suggestion and friends are free to make suggestions. Walang insulto doon. Kung hindi ka magwi-withdraw edi hindi ka magwi-withdraw," he told CNN Philippines.
"Kung wala nang relationship, available si Sotto, then I can shout to the high heavens and go around and tell people, go for a Pacquiao-Sotto tandem. Itong dalawang ito best for the two positions," he added.
Until a "serious realignment" takes place, Atienza said he would continue campaigning for vice president with Pacquiao.
"Up to the time when an announcement is made, even up to election day, Pacquiao-Atienza tandem continues to be active. And I will continue campaigning as if nothing has changed, but with that suggestion alive and to be considered," he added.
ALSO READ:
Lito Atienza Says 'When Men Get Pregnant', He'll Back Same-Sex Marriage
Manny Pacquiao Says Open to Alliance With Tito Sotto
Will Pacquiao Withdraw Presidential Bid? He Needs a Sign From God