Antonio Trillanes IV

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on May 12 declared his intention to run for President under 1Sambayan, a newly formed coalition led by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that aims to field a unified opposition slate in the 2022 elections. A staunch Duterte critic, the rebel Navy officer-turned-politician has asked 1Sambayan to include him in the selection of its national candidates, not just as an “alternate” but among the “principal” choices. Trillanes said his decision was prompted by reports that Vice President Leni Robredo is showing what many perceive to be a preference for the gubernatorial seat of Camarines Sur province and not for the Palace. Trillanes was concerned that the “true opposition” would be deprived of representation in the coalition should Robredo eventually step out of the presidential derby and leave Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as the lone aspirant in the 1Sambayan nomination. He referred to Moreno as a “Johnny-come-lately” member of the opposition, having supposedly served in the shadow of the Duterte administration over the past five years.