Manila, Philippines – Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on Wednesday that he has the intention to run for presidency in the 2022 presidential elections.
“In view of VP Leni’s preparations to run for Governor of Camarines Sur in 2022, I, together with the Magdalo group, have decided to convey to the 1SAMBAYAN Coalition to change my status from being an alternate candidate (to VP Leni) to being a principal candidate for President to vie for the Coalition’s nomination”, Trillanes said on a Twitter post.
In view of VP Leni’s preparations to run for Governor of Camarines Sur in 2022, I, together with the Magdalo group, have decided to convey to the 1SAMBAYAN Coalition to change my status from being an alternate candidate (to VP Leni) to being a principal candidate for President… pic.twitter.com/g9MIKDlzum
— Sonny Trillanes IV (@TrillanesSonny) May 12, 2021
Trillanes clarified that he is not dividing the opposition as there will only be one unified slate to be nominated by 1Sambayan. Together with VP Leni Robredo, they have committed to support and campaign for its nominees.
“Just to further stress this point, in the event that VP Leni DEFINITELY decides to run for President BEFORE 1Sambayan picks its nominees in July, I would wholeheartedly STEP ASIDE and WITHDRAW my own candidacy in her favor,” Trillanes said as he underscored the importance of having a united opposition.
“But until then, we would work on the assumption that VP Leni would run for Governor of Camsur, and, thus, we could now start our own preparations focusing on the development of policy prescriptions to solve the different problems of our Country, particularly on the pandemic response, economic recovery and poverty alleviation, peace and order/security sector reforms, anti-corruption/governance reforms, universal healthcare, and foreign policy including the West Philippine Sea”, Trillanes said.
But according to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Spokesperson Barry Gutierrez, VP Leni Robredo is focused on helping the Filipino people through the COVID-19 crisis and not for the upcoming 2022 elections.
“As VP Leni has repeatedly stated, her focus remains on helping our fellow Filipinos through the Covid-19 crisis, VP Leni has not made a decision regarding the 2022 elections, and there is absolutely no truth to the claim that she is making ‘preparations’ to run for Governor of Camarines Sur,” Gutierrez said.
Trillanes then reiterates the importance of the 2022 elections, stating that it is “the most important elections in our nation’s history after 1986. Not only our Democracy is at stake, our very survival as a country is at stake, too”.
He emphasized the people that the country would not survive “another six years of a Duterte rule.”
“In just five years, Duterte has been able to destroy our institutions, bankrupted the economy, worsened poverty and corruption, surrendered our interests in the West Philippine Sea, and promoted incompetence in public service. Worst of all, he made our people accept killings, immorality, indecency, and vulgarity as the new societal norm,” Trillanes said.
In view of VP Leni’s preparations to run for Governor of Camarines Sur in 2022, I, together with the Magdalo group, have decided to convey to the 1SAMBAYAN Coalition to change my status from being an alternate candidate (to VP Leni) to being a principal candidate for President… pic.twitter.com/g9MIKDlzum
— Sonny Trillanes IV (@TrillanesSonny) May 12, 2021
However, former representative Liberal Party vice chairperson Teodoro Baguilat Jr. said Robredo is still interested for 2020 presidency.
“VP Leni I repeat has not changed her position and is still open to a 2022 presidential run. Linggo linggo, we establish chapters preparing for 2022. Linggo linggo, kausap namin ang Magdalo kaya alam nila posisyan ni MamLeni. We continue to work for a United front” Bauilat said.
VP Leni I repeat has not changed her position and is still open to a 2022 presidential run. Linggo linggo, we establish chapters preparing for 2022. Linggo linggo, kausap namin ang Magdalo kaya alam nila posisyan ni MamLeni. We continue to work for a United front
— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) May 12, 2021
Netizens Reactions
Here are some of the reactions and tweets from the random accounts in Twitter featuring the #TrillanesSonny topic.
It would be good to have a Robredo-Trillanes tandem come May 22. But if in case VP Leni opts to run for governor of CamSur, I’ll definitely go for SonTri for president. Exciting times ahead!
— Ogini Hot (@oginiHOT) May 12, 2021
I AM ALL IN sir. I believe you have what it takes to be one of the greatest if ever elected. It will be a hard fought battle but it’s a fight for survival like you said.
— Ray S +++ 1SAMBAYAN (@indiostar1983) May 12, 2021
Brilliant! UNITED OPPOSITION tayo. Thank you for being understanding kay VP @lenirobredo — we will be behind you both!
— ᜉᜒᜎᜒᜉᜒᜈᜐ᜔ 🇵🇭 #ProtectFrontlinersPH (@bituinrustia) May 12, 2021
YES!!!!! Go!!! Andito po kami para sa inyo! Pagod na po kaming lahat sa administrasyong ito. Di na maganda! Lahat JOKE lang! We could see a positive future for US Filipinos if you will run as president! YEY!!!! 🙏
— ngipinsangipin🦷 (@Niknik155) May 12, 2021
We will support you po sir 🥰
— My💖don’t cost a thing (@EggTarTisYummy) May 12, 2021
Sir, isa ako sa nagising sa administration na to. Nagsisi nako bat si pduts binoto ko. But in my OPINION, hindi katulad nyo po ang hinahanap ko.
PUBLIC SERVANT ang hanap ko. MAMAMAYAN ANG UNA, hindi bulsa. Sana may katulad si Vivo Sotto
— Anna Anicete (@AniceteAnna) May 12, 2021
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