Palace on Mar-Noy proposal: Not likely

WILL President Benigno Aquino III accept proposals for him to be Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II’s running mate in the 2016 elections?

READ: Solon calls for Mar-Noy in 2016

Malacañang on Thursday said that might not be likely.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said they have yet to ask the President about the proposal of Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga but that Aquino has announced that he will be retiring from the government when he steps down in 2016.

“President Aquino has previously stated that he would like to retire from public office when his term ends at noon of June 30, 2016, and to the best of my knowledge, he has made no comments to the contrary,” Coloma has said.

In previous media interviews, Aquino joked about enjoying his newfound freedom once he steps down from office.

Barzaga, who is from the administration coalition party National Unity Party, said Aquino running as Roxas’ vice president would be a “dream ticket.”

He pointed out that Aquino’s predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is now Pampanga representative while former President Joseph Estrada is now Manila Mayor.

“The idea of urging the President to be Roxas’ running mate is not far-fetched. PNoy is well loved by the people. A Roxas-Aquino tandem is going to be a sure-fire winner. It’s going to be unbeatable,” Barzaga has said.

Roxas, who was endorsed by Aquino as standard-bearer of ruling Liberal Party, is still looking for a running mate. Senator Grace Poe, who led the last electoral survey, has yet to commit to LP. Kristine Angeli Sabillo