Aquino says Leni Robredo deciding ‘soon’; Belmonte, Drilon says she’s a yes

Is it a yes or a maybe?

Several officials of the ruling Liberal Party gave different answers to those asking if Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo would be their candidate for vice president.

President Benigno Aquino III, who is also LP chairman, said Robredo will give her answer “soon.”

“Meron pang mga prosesong dinadaanan si Leni,” he said after the LP’s national convention in Cubao on Wednesday. “Pabayaan na natin si Leni magsalita next week.”

(Leni is still going through processes. Let her speak next week.)

The LP is expected to announce its vice presidential candidate and senatorial slate next week.

But two LP stalwarts and ranking government officials said they were certain that Robredo has already decided.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, during a television interview, said Robredo is the “likely” candidate of LP.

READ: Drilon: Leni Robredo is LP’s VP

Meanwhile, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said other LP leaders who talked to Robredo told him that she already gave her informal consent. However, she still needs to convince her family, especially her daughters who have reportedly discouraged her from running.

Belmonte admitted that he “batted for others” seeking the vice president’s post but is now backing the party’s decision to field Robredo if she agrees.

He said that to have a “winning team,” there should be a consensus.

Asked about those suggesting that he run for vice president, Belmonte said,” It’s an honor to be considered.”

“They say I am qualified. I agree I am qualified. I have the experience (but) I am past my prime,” he explained.

Past is past

As for Senator Alan Cayetano, who has declared his candidacy as vice president despite not having a running mate, Aquino said he has no hard feelings.

“Noong araw sinabi ko naman sa kanya, ako naniniwala sa yung lumipas, lumipas na.  Di mo na mababago yun. Inaantay lang ang kasalukuyan at kinabukasan. Baka yun lang ang kailangan nating pagtulungan,” the President said.

(Earlier I told him, I believe in past is past. You can’t change it. We’re just waiting for the present and the future. Perhaps that’s what we need to work on.)

Cayetano, who criticized Aquino’s draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) said he met with Aquino before he announced his candidacy to inform him of his plans.

READ: Cayetano courts Duterte