By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Aug. 24 (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III remains hopeful that Senator Grace Poe will agree to be the running mate of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Mar Roxas in the 2016 polls.
“Umaasa pa rin kami hanggang sa ngayon,” he told reporters Monday.
The President said their communication lines with Poe remains open although they have not talked for a while after both parties have discussed their intentions.
“Sang-ayon naman si Senator Grace na ‘yung mga marami sa—kung hindi man lahat na nangyayari ngayon ay dapat ipagpatuloy. So wala kaming pinagtatalunan sa prinsipyo at kung saan natin dapat dalhin ‘yung bansa. So kami sa coalition, hindi lang ‘yung Liberal (Party), ay talagang umaasa pa rin na magkasama-sama lahat ng pwersang gustong magpatuloy sa nangyayari ngayon,” he said.
The Liberal Party along with the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) have been courting Poe to be Roxas’ running mate in next year’s national elections.
Also, the President said it is not unusual that Poe would receive criticisms especially since she is being groomed for a higher position.
He, however, pointed out that it is unlikely for LP or NPC to be the sources of the black propaganda because they have to answer the backlash if ever Poe decided to join them.
“Siyempre, panahon ng katakot-takot na intriga, mga katakot-takot na disinformation at lalabas din naman ‘yung katotohanan. Pero ulit, siguro gusto ko lang ipagdiinan, anong pakinabang namin kung gagawa kami ng ganoong bagay?” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, President Aquino said he will not run for other positions in next year’s elections.
He said he personally believes on the saying that “the measure of success is your ability to train your successor.”
He added that giving Roxas the chance to lead the next government is in line with the administration’s bid for continuity. (PNA)