Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines – Despite facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada is not closing doors on his political aspirations. In fact, he and his political party have discussed the possibility of him being the running mate of Vice President Jejomar Binay for the 2016 elections.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said in an interview that the Binay-Jinggoy tandem was already discussed even before plunder charges were filed against Senator Estrada.
“Yes, vice-president,” Mayor Estrada said when asked whether his son intends to run as candidate in 2016. “That’s what was discussed even before Jinggoy was charged.”
Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Estrada said this even after members of the administration and the opposition have welcomed the possibility that Binay may team up with Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II for the 2016 elections.
“It’s not yet closed, everything is still fluid. His candidacy might become stronger when he is acquitted,” Mayor Estrada said, expressing confidence.
Mayor Estrada is one of the three founders of the opposition party, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), the other two are Binay and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.
Senator Estrada however, did not openly announce his candidacy for vice president but just said he was open to the possibility.
“Definitely not in the Senate anymore,” Senator Estrada said in a separate interview when asked by reporters what position he will run for in 2016.
“Let’s just cross the bridge when I get there,” Senator Estrada said. “My options are still open.”
Senator Estrada was in the Sandiganbayan for his bail hearing on charges of plunder for his alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.
He expressed confidence that he will not have to conduct campaigns while in jail.
“I don’t think so. I’m very confident because there is no case, even the witness presented by the prosecution did not say anything substantial and the rest of the witnesses do not have probative value,” he said.
“That’s why I want Benhur Luy and Ruby Tuazon to take the witness stand already, they are the strongest witnesses against me. But Luy’s testimony in Ramon Revilla Jr’s case, he did not say anything substantial,” he said.
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