Less than two months before candidates officially declare their intention to run in the 2022 elections, opposition forces are looking for a common candidate to go up against President Duterte’s candidate or even Duterte himself who is expected to run for vice president.

Senator Panfilo Lacson recently came out with a formula — why don’t he and Vice President Robredo both file their certificates of candidacy in October?

Then whoever gets the better survey numbers — meaning a better chance of defeating the administration candidate — proceeds while the other one withdraws. 

Robredo later rejected the Lacson formula saying she didn’t want to lead her supporters on — if ever she decided to run, there’s no turning back.

How then do you unify a fragmented opposition whose disunity can only make it easier for duterte forces to remain in power beyond 2022?