The presidential and vice presidential bet of the Duterte administration for 2022 may enjoy the luxury of facing a divided opposition as Vice President Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson failed to form a united front for the upcoming polls.

In a television interview, Lacson said he had talks with Robredo where he offered a unification formula that the vice president did not accept. While Robredo has yet to reveal her plans for 2022, her rejection of Lacson’s unity offer may be a giveaway that she will run for president next year.

Office of the Vice President spokesperson Barry Gutierrez even said Robredo’s option is to run in 2022.

“Supporting anyone else for president is not yet being considered. The first option is still very clearly for VP Leni to run,” Gutierrez said.

On the other hand, Lacson and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3^rd are set to announce their tandem for 2022 under the National People’s Coalition (NPC).

Lacson said she discussed with Robredo the fielding of a common candidate for 2022 as a move to unify the opposition.

“The gist of the discussion was unification, put up a common candidate if possible against the administration. I offered her a sure unification effort or formula,” he said.

“She (Robredo) resisted. She was not sold on the idea but it was a sure formula (of) putting up at least between the two of us a common candidate. Unfortunately, she definitely didn’t buy it. Definitely, she is open to running,” Lacson added.