Amid expressions of support from several political parties for a possible presidential bid, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is keeping all his options open as he prepares for a formidable alliance for the 2022 national elections.
Marcos spokesman and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas executive president Vic Rodriguez a tandem with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio would have been formidable, but it has since been put on hold with the latter’s public announcement that she will run for a local post.
“Right now, his possible tandem with Mayor Sara is already out of the table since a decision has been made. We are not in a position to speculate or speak on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte and Mayor Sara, but right now our concern is how to make the best alliance possible – the best partnership,” Rodriguez said.
The Davao mayor said only one Duterte can run for a national post. President Rodrigo Duterte already accepted the nomination of his party PDP-Laban to run for vice president in next year’s polls.
Rodriguez said Marcos is keeping a low-profile status as he keeps all his options open.
“We understand that there is so much build up and anticipation on his decision and announcement to run for President for next year’s elections. It is not easy as many people are demanding that Bongbong should run for president,” Rodriguez said.
“The wave of support from political parties for Bongbong is continuous. The more support groups, the better,” he said.
Among the considerations for the former senator, Rodriguez said, is the post-pandemic situation.
“Bongbong thinks carefully about everything. It is not easy to decide. The issue here is the pandemic government and the post-pandemic situation,” he said.
“His decision will come soon. He just needed to consult some significant individuals and groups,” he added.
The PFP has already endorsed Marcos as its standard-bearer.
The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), the old political party of the Marcoses, followed suit.
Both nominations, however, were not accepted yet by Marcos, who is a member of the Nacionalista Party.