MANILA, Philippines—Senators sneered at the suggestion that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo run for vice president in 2010.

Rep. Danilo Suarez’ suggestion that Ms Arroyo could still occupy a national elective post after her term ends in June.

“It’s a formula for disaster if you ask me,” said Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. in a text message, reacting to the suggestion made by Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez.

Senator Francis Pangilinan doubted whether President Arroyo was even toying with the idea.

“Her approval ratings are in the negative. Public disenchantment over her leadership is widespread nationwide and cuts across all sectors. She will not risk running and losing. The stakes are too high and the risks are too great,” he said by phone.

“Most likely she will seek a local post where she has better chances of winning,’ added Pangilinan, referring to widespread speculation will run for a congressional seat representing Pampanga.

A stunned Senator Francis Escudero said the idea was repulsive.

“That is too much already. Why can’t people turn their back on power? I guess the saying is true: Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he said.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano ridiculed a tandem of Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and President Arroyo.

“Isn’t her presidency plagued with vice? That is stealing, cheating, and lying, so in a sense people are already used to an Arroyo vice presidency. It will be Gibo that will be affected,” said Cayetano in a text message.

Cayetano said this tandem may keep politicians’ support for the administration party intact and lead to massive use of government resources, “but getting popular support will go from very difficult to almost impossible.”

“Does Gibo want to spend his precious time answering issues on the nine years of the Arroyos? Whatever way we look at it, it won’t be good for the country,” he said.

The two vice-presidential hopefuls are also skeptical of a vice-presidential run for Ms Arroyo, but did not close this possibility outright.

Sen. Loren Legarda said Malacañang was just floating the idea to test the waters.

“I think she’s running for Congress in Pampanga. While she is not legally barred from doing so, I don’t think she will do it. But who knows? There are surprises in politics,” she said.

But Legarda said she couldn’t care less about Mrs. Arroyo’s political plans.

“Are there no more important matters to discuss in this country than withdrawals and declarations? The issues are hunger, poverty, joblessness and climate change. That’s what I want to talk about. That’s my passion,” said Legarda.

Sought for comment, Sen. Mar Roxas said that having Ms Arroyo as his opponent would give him greater chances of winning the vice presidency.

"Then I will have a longer honeymoon period because it will make my candidacy easier," said Roxas, who had returned from Tokyo where he and his bride Korina spent their honeymoon.

Roxas said instead of wasting time speculating on the exit plans of Ms Arroyo, the Liberal Party was busy organizing grassroots’ support.