Pacquiao on possible team-up with Robredo before Nov. 15: Anything can happen

Presidential aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao is not discounting the possibility of teaming up with Vice President Leni Robredo for Eleksyon 2022 as long as the period of substitution is open.

In a television interview, Pacquiao was asked if there is still hope for the unification talks with Robredo even after they filed their respective COCs.

The lawmaker did not give a categorical answer but mentioned that substitutions are possible until November 15.

At the end of the interview, Pacquiao was pressed to explain his answer, asking him if this means he is still “open to teaming up” with Robredo.

"Hangga't hindi pa tapos ang November 15, anything can happen, possible sa lahat ng mangyayari, 'no. Hindi tayo nagko-close ng door hangga't nandiyan pa ‘yan, pero happy ako sa aking vice president ngayon, si Lito Atienza,” Pacquiao replied in the ANC interview.

(Until November 15, anything can happen, anything is possible. We are not closing our doors as long as the option it there but for now, I am happy with my vice presidential candidate, Lito Atienza.)

Pacquiao has filed his COC for president last October 1 with Buhay Party-list Representative Lito Atienza as his running mate.

Robredo also filed her COC for the country’s top post and picked Senator Francis Pangilinan as her vice presidential bet.

Prior to the filing of COCs, Robredo had met with Pacquiao, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno separately to discuss about a united opposition ticket.

However, nothing came out of the discussions.

Recently, Robredo said she will no longer pursue unity talks with her fellow 2022 presidential aspirants, as her focus now is on "people's support."

Under the Commission on Elections' calendar for the 2022 polls, substitution for a candidate in a national or local post can be filed from the end of the COC filing period until November 15, 2021. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News