Can opposition win in Eleksyon 2022 despite low poll numbers? Pangilinan answers

Recent election surveys showed that the opposition received lower ranking than pro-administration potential candidates. 

But for Liberal Party president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, the results of elections will still depend on the opposition's performance during the campaign.

Pangilinan said surveys do not necessarily reflect the results of the national and local elections.

"It depends on what we will do between now and 2021 and 2022. Base sa historical data ang mga nakakalamang noon, in fact, lumalamang sa survey noon ng presidente at bise presidente ay pagdating sa dulo, talo," he said in an episode of The Malou Mangahas Interviews.

In an April Pulse Asia survey, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte continued to top the possible contenders for president in 2022. Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, got the sixth spot in the polls.

Pangilinan said the 2022 elections will also depend on how the opposition will convince and inspire voters.

VP Robredo to decide at the right time

While Robredo is still undecided about the upcoming elections, Pangilinan believed that the vice president will "decide at the right time."

"I believe in her instincts," he said.

Similar to Robredo, Pangilinan said the late former President Benigno Aquino III was also indecisive and firmed up his mind about running for the presidency in September 2009.

Pangilinan also cited that President Rodrigo Duterte also filed the candidacy at a later time.

In 2015, Duterte consistently said he would not seek the presidency. But, in November 2015, he later on filed his certificate of candidacy.  

'Too early' to tell opponents

Pangilinan also said it is too early to identify the opponents of the opposition in next year's polls.

He further said there could be seven or three candidates for presidency just like the 1992 elections.

"Medyo mahirap sabihin ang outcomes kasi everything is fluid," he said.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News