Revilla’s announcement of intent to run for President his right, Palace says

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – What did Malacañang have to say on Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s presidential aspirations?
“Karapatan po niyang magpahayag ng kanyang saloobin.”

(He has the right to express his feelings.)

That was Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.’s short reply when asked what the Aquino administration thought of Revilla’s openness to run during the 2016 presidential elections amid facing plunder charges for the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

Revilla recently told media he was still considering becoming a presidential candidate despite everything that has happened.

“If we need to sail in 2016, as long as our countrymen ask for it, I’ll be up to it because I’m innocent of the charges being hurled at me,” he said in a radio interview. “I can look every Filipino in the eye, and I have nothing to fear.”

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte earlier said that Revilla, as well as Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, could still become candidates in 2016 unless they were convicted.

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