(UPDATE) Vice President Leni Robredo is 1Sambayan's presidential candidate for the 2022 elections, the opposition coalition said on Thursday, as she remained undecided on her political plans.
The 56-year-old Robredo, who harnessed her grassroots background to mount a pandemic response despite limited official funding, was chosen based on integrity, competence, track record, patriotism, vision for country, and winnability, said former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a co-convenor of 1Sambayan.
"We therefore ask VP Leni to accept our endorsement to lead the Filipino people in this difficult times in our history," Carpio said. If she declines the nomination, the group will have to reconvene, he said.
Carpio said 1Sambayan's pick for vice president will depend on unity talks among opposition blocs.
Robredo thanked 1Sambayan for its support without accepting the endorsement.
"Ang desisyon sa pagtakbo, hindi puwedeng nakabase sa ambisyon, o sa pag-udyok ng iba. Sa loob ito dapat manggaling, dala ng pagharap sa lahat ng konsiderasyon at malalim na pagsuri sa sitwasyon,"the Vice President said, as she appealed for prayers to help her decide.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senators Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson have so far announced their candidacies for president.