Roxas: I still want Poe as VP bet despite promising Robredo

Call center workers are asking Mar Roxas’ help for cheaper housing, better public transport, improved IT infrastructure. MARLON RAMOS

CEBU CITY, Philippines — It’s still Grace—for now, at least.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, President Aquino’s anointed presidential candidate in the next year’s elections, welcomed on Wednesday, the mounting clamor for Camarines Sur. Leni Robredo to be his running mate.

But Roxas, who attended a whirlwind of activities in this vote-rich province, stressed that the administration coalition led by the ruling Liberal Party (LP) has remained keen on convincing Sen. Grace Poe to partner with him.

“It’s a good development,” he told reporters. “I congratulate those who launched the movement. I admire Congressman Robredo. Many people admire her capabilities and unblemished record.”

Robrero, who is on her first term as congresswoman, is the widow of Roxas’ close friend and predecessor, the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Asked if the swell of support for Robredo would affect the LP’s decision to wait for Poe, Roxas said: “We don’t easily change our stand. We still have an outstanding invitation to Senator Poe.”

“This is the current position and view of the President, the party and even myself,” he stressed.

When pressed if he had set a date for his meeting with the senator, he quipped: “The date today is August 12.”

Roxas also defended Poe from the latest tirades of their political rivals in the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Obviously, I believe that Senator Poe is a Filipino. That’s why I invited her to be my running mate,” he said.

The interior secretary said it would be up to UNA to support its allegations against the senator in accordance with the established legal processes.