Still in search of ‘pambato,’ 1Sambayan meets with Leni, Isko, Pacquiao, Trillanes

The opposition coalition 1Sambayan, still searching for its presidential candidate in the 2022 elections, said it met with four politicians, some of whom have already declared bids for the presidency.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, September 26, 1Sambayan said its convenors are consulting with Vice President Leni Robredo, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Senator Manny Pacquiao as part of their process to select their “pambato” or bet in 2022.

These “consultations for unity” aim to make sure that the candidate they will endorse for president has good character, capability, and an excellent track record, said 1Sambayan.

“Patuloy naming isusulong ang pagkakaisa o unity sa aming mga nominado para sa isang unity ticket upang labanan kung sino man ang babasbasan ng administrasyong Duterte sa susunod na halalan,” added the group.

(We’ll continue promoting unity among our nominees for a unity ticket to face whoever the Duterte administration will endorse in the next elections.)

Moreno and Pacquiao have already announced their candidacies for president in 2022.

Robredo has yet to declare her 2022 plans. Meanwhile, Trillanes has said he will run for president if Robredo does not do so.

Robredo and Trillanes were among 1Sambayan’s six prospective nominees, announced in June, for president and vice president. 

Moreno was also in 1Sambayan’s initial list, but the group said he begged off from being nominated.

Meanwhile, co-convenor Etta Rosales bared on Monday, September 20, that the coalition was “divided” between Moreno and Robredo. – Rappler.com