1Sambayan should be more inclusive

President Duterte continues to be very popular, and this influence could extend to his daughter Sara in the 2022 presidential election.

1Sambayan’s main objective should be to put up a viable candidate against Sara or another Duterte proxy. But its initial lineup of candidates is not impressive. For instance, Sen. Panfilo Lacson has been excluded because he does not meet one of the criteria of one of the convenors. Just because he was one of the proponents of the anti-terrorism law (ATL) is not a strong argument against his selection. The ATL is now before the Supreme Court and should not be 1Sambayan’s focus.

I suggest 1Sambayan draws up a list of winnable candidates, who from their present and past actuations will not be expected to repeat the failures of the Duterte administration, like the pro-China and anti-West Philippine Sea policies. All these candidates should be made to understand and to sign a commitment that they will file their certificates of candidacy and two months before the election will withdraw in favor of the leading anti-Duterte candidate.

I am thinking that personalities like Franklin Drilon, Richard Gordon, and Lacson should be included in that list. I don’t think Manny Pacquiao should be included, because until recently he was pro-Duterte and, if he runs, will draw a huge chunk of votes from the constituencies of Mr. Duterte, like the Mindanao and Visayan votes as well as classes C, D, and E. Pacquiao should be out.

RENE TORRES
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