Roxas makes stand: Search for running mate won’t depend on Aquino’s preference

CEBU CITY – In searching for the right running mate in the 2016 elections, presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said his choice for his vice president does not just depend on President Benigno Aquino III’s preference.

Rather, Roxas said he will choose a running mate who shares the same beliefs and principles with him when it comes to building programs for the government.

“Is this only for political convenience? Is this a you-scratch-my-back-I-scratch-yours? Is this simply about geographic balance? Or are there other principles, basic fundamental beliefs and programs of the government that we both believe in?” he told reporters in an ambush interview at Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City.

“Mahalaga para sa akin na nagsasama kami hindi lang dahil sinabi ni P-Noy; hindi lang dahil magkapartido kami; or hindi lang dahil magkasama kami noong nakaraan pero dahil nasariwa namin at talagang naniniwala tayo na ang ating mga paniniwala namin ay iisa,” he added.

Roxas said this when asked if he was still negotiating with Senator Grace Poe, the front-runner in the presidential polls whom he had been courting to be his running mate.

The outgoing Interior and Local Government Secretary was endorsed by President Aquino to lead the Liberal Party in the 2016 elections. Since his anointment in July, Roxas still has yet to name his vice president. Other than Poe, the LP is said to be considering also Camarines Norte Rep. Leni Robredo and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos to run for vice president.

He said his talks with Poe are still continuing. But when asked if he was still hopeful that Poe will accept his offer, he said: “We don’t know. We did everything that we can and we remain to be open to (all options). However, I still have the obligation to put up the strongest ticket in the elections to ensure the continuity of Daang Matuwid (straight path).”

“All of those things will happen naturally. Hindi kailangang madaliin ‘yan pero hindi rin dapat i-delay,” he added. Julliane Love de Jesus

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