Cayetano eyes 2016 run
Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is preparing for a possible presidential run in 2016, stressing that he is not just interested in contesting the highest post, he intends to win it.
In an interview with ANC television on Wednesday, Cayetano said his people have been conducting surveys to gauge his chances in a presidential election two years from now.
He even hinted at plans for an advertising campaign to boost his stock.
“I want to be President of this country someday. I think I can do something great for God and our people. But is 2016 my time? Or is it 2022? 2028? Or never?” Cayetano said.
“I wanted to be mayor of Taguig. It never happened. But I don’t know, it appears that my wife is better than I am in that position. Now, are we polling? Yes. Why not?” he said.
Article continues after this advertisement“What I can say to those who want to run is that the presidency is 10 percent planning. Look at President Aquino, at President Cory [Corazon Aquino],” Cayetano said referring to the two Aquino presidents, neither of whom planned their presidential runs.
Article continues after this advertisement“The problem is those who lose say that it’s destiny. It’s partly destiny in the sense that the doors must part for you. If the doors are open, you must take steps going there,” he said.
Pressed for a categorical answer on whether he will run for president two years from now, Cayetano said: “Incorrect. I don’t wanna run. I wanna win. Running is easy.”
The senator, a member of the Nacionalista Party, said another factor that he was considering is whether President Aquino’s ruling Liberal Party and the NP would maintain their coalition in 2016.
“Three consecutive presidents who are good and the Philippines will start to take off. But if after one good president is followed by a bad one, then we will go down,” he said.
Will the Philippines go down if Vice President Jejomar Binay becomes President?
“At the rate he’s going, yes,” Cayetano said.
Binay has already indicated his plan to run for President in 2016. The Vice President has been performing quite well in the surveys.
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