Most presidential and vice presidential tickets for the May 2022 national elections are still tentative because everyone is still waiting for the November 15 substitution deadline. Will Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Inday Sara Duterte finally agree to run for higher office? Will any of the already declared presidential candidates (Pacman, Isko, BBM, Leni and Ping) slide down and run for VP instead?

From the BBM camp, the ideal running mate would be Pacman. BBM is strong in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley) and NCR. Pacman is from Mindanao and has a huge following there more so if Sara Duterte remains as Davao City chief executive. Pacman also has significant drawing power among the Bisayan speaking areas of the Visayas.

Assuming that Pacquiao remains a contender for the highest office of the land, BBM may tap local kingpins in the Visayas, such as Ace Durano, former Tourism Secretary and former Congressman from vote rich Cebu. Durano is contesting the Province of Cebu gubernatorial seat in 2022 against the incumbent Gwen Garcia. Governor Garcia is the odds on favorite to win re-election. Durano may thus be amenable to be “kicked upstairs” and aspire for the vice presidency.