Legarda won’t seek VP position again

MANILA, Philippines–After losing twice in the vice presidential race, Senator Loren Legarda said she would no longer seek a higher position in government.
“Never. Yan ang maski ilagay mo isang gintong plato (Never, even if it’s served on a golden platter), thanks but no thanks,” Legarda told reporters on Monday.

“Because I know where I belong and I say it in all sincerity really. You know what is for you and  what is not for you. I thank God for all my blessings. I thank God for giving me the chance to work as senator,” said Legarda, who ran and lost in the 2004 and 2010 presidential race.

Legarda made the statement when sought to react to her inclusion in the senatorial line-up being formed by Vice President Jejomar Binay. She confirmed that she would seek another term as senator  in 2013.

“Yes I’m running for re-election in 2013. My last term,” Lergarda said.

The senator expressed her openness to join Binay’s team but she said she has yet to seek the blessings of her group, the Nacionalista Party, which is headed by Senator Manny Villar.

“On several occasions, nakita ko si VP Binay at magkakasama naman kami ng 2007 under the United Opposition (UNO) at sabi nya there’ s no reason kung bakit tayo maghihiwalay pa…So it’s consistent that we may be together in 2013,” the senator added.

Binay was head of the UNO in 2007 while he served as the campaign manager of the late Fernando Poe Jr. when the latter ran and lost for president in 2004.

Asked again if she was willing to join Binay’s group in 2013, Legarda said, “If asked and because we’ve been together traditionally and politically. And Vice Jojo is someone I regard highly and respect as a very hard working public servant.”