Palace not alarmed by Cayetano’s presidential ambition

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang dismissed the presidential plans of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, saying it is not part of the administration’s agenda.

“Declaration of candidacy is the prerogative of those qualified to seek public office. This is not part of the administration’s current work program,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said at a televised briefing on Thursday.

Coloma made the statement when asked if the administration is considering endorsing Cayetano for president in 2016.

The communications secretary also said the administration is not even talking about Cayetano when he revealed his presidential bid.

Cayetano bared his presidential ambitions on Wednesday, saying he would rather be president than run for vice president.

“I want to be president of this country someday. I think I can do something great for God and our people,” he said.

Cayetano, a member of the Nacionalista Party, also said another factor that he was considering is whether President Benigno Aquino III’s ruling Liberal Party and the NP would maintain their coalition in 2016.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay has been vocal about his plans to run as president in 2016.

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