To truly unify the opposition, there must be only one candidate for president against President Rodrigo Duterte’s anointed presidential aspirant.

Listing many presidentiables does not project and encourage unity against the Duterte forces.

Vice President Leni Robredo is the most logical, qualified, viable, and winnable choice as the opposition’s standard bearer for the following reasons:

1. She is the highest elected official in the ranks of the opposition, a heartbeat away from the presidency.

2. She has an enviable track record of winning the second highest national position, a feat which shattered pollsters’ predictions.

3. Her compassionate demeanor is in direct contrast to the repressive machinations of Duterte.

4. Her effective and singular performance during the continuing onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic exposes the errant and failed response to the contagion of President Duterte.

5. Her enduring adherence to constitutionalism and the rule of law is the direct opposite to Duterte’s repeated violations of the Constitution on due process, human rights, and press freedom, among others. 

 EDCEL C. LAGMAN