Aquino not losing hope, asks Poe to run as Roxas’ VP

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III continues to woo Senator Grace Poe to become the running mate of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II under the administration coalition ticket.

In his speech at the Cebu leg of the “Gathering of Friends” on Monday, Aquino said that Poe will be able to deepen her knowledge about governance should she choose to become Roxas’ vice president.

He even hinted that Poe could try a shot for the presidency in 2022.

“Kung makakasama natin ang taong ito ay mahahasa at mabibigyan ng bagong lalim ang kanyang karanasan at ang kanyang mabuting intensyon ay talaga naman pong mapapagyaman pa ng sapat na kasanayan sa pamamahala. Lalo pa pong lalakas ang aking pag-asa na sa 2022 ay maipagpapatuloy ang tuwid na daan,” Aquino said, apparently referring to Poe.

(If we will have this person onboard, she will be trained and her experiences will be given new meanings. Her good intention will be complemented with sufficient knowledge about governance. It is my hope that come 2022, the straight path will continue.)

Aquino said that he does not doubt Poe’s capabilities to become the country’s next leader.

“Meron din namang  tiwalang kahanay natin sa maraming paraan  sa mabuting hangarin at tiwala.  Tayo po ay wala namang duda sa kanyang kakayahan. Ako naman po ay naniniwala sa kanyang mabuting intensyon kaya nga po tayo nagsisikap na makasama siya upang i-presenta sa publiko ang isang nagkakaisa at malakas na tandem,” he added.

(There is a person who also share our good intentions and trust. We do not doubt her capabilities. I also believe in her good intentions, that is why we are trying hard to have her onboard so that we can present to the public a united and strong tandem.)

Since Roxas was declared as the administration’s presidential bet last July 31, the administration coalition has been wooing Poe to become his running mate, even saying that they will wait for her decision as long as it takes.

However, Poe has turned down the Liberal Party saying that there are other potential candidates for the position.

She said that she is yet to decide on her plans for the 2016 elections.

In the gathering, Aquino maintained that Roxas is the man suited to become his successor.