Palace mum as Binay seeks Aquino backing
Will President Benigno Aquino III give the endorsement Vice President Jejomar Binay is hoping for?
It’s too early to say, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Aquino will only endorse a person who has the qualities that he is looking for. It should also be someone who will “continue the reforms in ‘daang matuwid (straight path).’”
Lacierda didn’t say if Binay fits the bill.
“I won’t be able to speculate on who the candidate is, but that would be a fair way of benchmarking all the presidentiables,” he said.
Lacierda pointed out that of all the possible presidential candidates, only Binay has announced his intent to run.
“At the end of the day, let’s just wait for the announcement of the President. It’s too—far too early for us to say anything. It’s the prerogative of the President to make his choice, and until such time, everything will be speculation,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier in the day, Binay said he believes Aquino will still consider him as the administration’s candidate in the 2016 elections. This is despite being a leader of the opposition.
He said it will still be the prerogative of the President.
READ: Binay still hoping for Aquino endorsement
Although Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is perceived to be the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party, Aquino has yet to announce his preferred successor. Critics said the delay is because of Roxas’ lackluster performance in the election surveys.
Aquino, however, said he will announce his choice after his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July 27.
READ: Aquino to announce endorsement after last Sona
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