Sen. Robin Padilla on Sunday declared in a Facebook post that he has no plans to run for vice president, addressing speculation about his possible candidacy.
“I have no plans to be a vice presidential candidate,” Padilla wrote.
In the same post, he said he is not like others who are eager to seek higher office and follow advice to pursue their ambitions. He stressed that he respects party rules and leadership, noting that PDP-Laban Chairman Rodrigo Duterte has the authority to decide who will run and for what position.
Padilla said political parties have guidelines that members must follow and emphasized that only the chairman can determine a member’s candidacy. He added that he has “delicadeza” and does not push aside leaders or colleagues due to personal ambition.
The senator’s statement comes days after he said he was open to running for vice president if former President Duterte would ask him to.
Speculation about possible vice presidential contenders circulated following that remark. However, Padilla’s latest statement makes clear that he does not intend to seek the post.
No official vice presidential candidates have been announced for upcoming national elections. Padilla did not mention any plans to pursue another position.
