Grace Poe: Aquino backing of Roxas expected
SENATOR Grace Poe on Monday expressed no surprise at reports that President Benigno Aquino III has declared that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas would remain as his top choice to succeed him.
“That is to be expected because Secretary Mar is their party mate,” Poe said in a text message when sought for comment on President Benigno Aquino III’s statement that Roxas remained to be his top choice for president in 2016.
Before this, Aquino and Poe met to discuss a possible alliance in the upcoming elections. The meeting sparked speculations that the neophyte senator was being considered to be the LP’s bet or a possible running mate of Roxas in the 2016 elections.
READ: Aquino admits meeting with Poe to discuss 2016 plans
Both Poe and Roxas though have yet to make a public declaration about their plans in 2016.
Asked if she would still sit down with the President to discuss the 2016 polls, Poe said: “The President and I have not met since the time we last met before he left for Chicago.”
Also sought for comment on the President’s remark, Senate President Franklin Drilon told reporters to just wait for Aquino’s endorsement after his last state of the nation address (Sona) in July.
“Di ba the President said we will endorse after Sona? So let’s wait for that,” Drilon, LP vice chair, said.
Asked if Aquino should have been more categorical in endorsing Roxas, the Senate leader simply said: “I leave it to the President.”
Drilon earlier called on Roxas to declare whether or not he would join the presidential race next year. AC
READ: Roxas should declare his presidential bid now—Drilon
