Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 30) — It would be better for PDP-Laban if Senator Manny Pacquiao would be seeking re-election instead of running for president in the 2022 polls, says an official of the party faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
Melvin Matibag, secretary general of the party faction led by Cusi, said another Senate stint would give Pacquiao more political experience.
“Hindi naman natin pinipigilan yung pangarap niya na mamuno ng bansa at maging pangulo. Ang sinasabi lang natin, baka maaaring mai-delay pa natin ng isang termino at maglingkod muna muli bilang isang senador, mas maraming matututunan, mas maraming magagawa, at mas magiging mabuti para po sa grupo ng PDP-Laban,” he told CNN Philippines’ Balitaan on Monday.
[Translation: We are not stopping his dream to lead the country and become a president. What we are saying is that maybe he could delay it for another term and serve again as senator. He would learn more, do more, and it would be better for PDP-Laban.]
Pacquiao’s camp earlier said that it “might be a go” for the boxer-turned-politician to seek the presidency next year. He is expected to announce his political plans in September.
The Cusi-led faction endorsed Senator Bong Go for president and President Rodrigo Duterte for vice president, but Go declined the endorsement of the ruling party.
There is a rift between Pacquiao’s camp and the Cusi-led faction, but Cusi has invited Pacquiao to lead their list of senatorial candidates.
“Umaasa pa rin po kami na makipag-usap siya at i-konsidera na maging isa sa mga nangungunang kandidato para sa senador ng PDP-Laban,” Matibag said.
[Translation: We are still hoping that he would talk with us and consider being one of the senatorial candidates of PDP-Laban.]
