No Aquino bet yet for 2016 presidential polls—Palace

Senator Grace Poe. FILE PHOTO/PRIB

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday insisted that President Benigno Aquino III has yet to name his bet for the 2016 presidential elections.

Asked if Aquino will back Senator Grace Poe, who has been touted as a match against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, “Wala pang na-a-anunsyo si Pangulong Aquino tungkol sa 2016 (President Aquino sill has no announcement for 2016).”

“Does he specify any specific person or any particular individual? He has never specified anyone,” Lacierda added.

The spokesperson also pointed out that Poe earlier said she is not yet prepared to run for higher office.

Lacierda also explained, “If we look at the various statements of the President, the President has always maintained: ‘Let’s elect the officials who will continue the fight for reform.’”

“I think given the need to continue the reform, I think, the Filipino people will be more than knowledgeable to determine what kind of leaders they should elect for the next election,” he said.

The spokesperson said others insisting on the issue should “be patient” and not be “way ahead of [themselves] in trying to divine the intentions of this administration.”

“It will come,” he said.

RELATED STORIES

Grace Poe says she’s not ready for 2016 Palace run

Poe seen as viable 2016 bet vs Binay