Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — At this point, there’s a chance that Vice President Jejomar Binay will carry the banner of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) alone in the 2016 elections.
Binay admitted that he’s having a hard time finding a running mate.
Asked if there’s a possibility that he would run without a Vice President, he answered the reporter, “Kung talagang walang-wala na eh, magmamanikluhod nalang ako sa’yo. Ikaw nalang ang aking VP.”
[Translation: “If there is really no one, I will kneel before you and ask you to become my VP.”]
In a text message, Vice President Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado qualified this as nothing serious, saying “This is clearly a joke.”
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Although Binay gave a very lighthearted response, he admitted that the search for his running mate still continues.
“Nasa search committee pa. Maraming pinag-aaralan, kinu-consider, ” Binay said.
[Translation: It’s still with the search committee. There’s a lot to study, to consider.]
According to Binay, he’s being cautious in choosing who fits the criteria of a good executive.
“Sana ang maging kasama ko sa pamamahala ng ating bansa eh isa bang mayroong track record. ‘Yung nasa executive and a successful executive,” Binay said.
[Translation: “I wish I could lead the country with someone who has a good track record. One who has experience in the executive and a successful executive.”]
A month ago, Binay hinted that he wanted former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, a proven beloved of the Filipino masses, to be his running mate. He even described the possible partnership as “the best” tandem.
According to Binay, he’s still not considering anyone aside from Estrada.
“Hindi naman kami katulad ng iba lista ng lista at sinasabing meron na,” Binay said.
[Translation: “We’re not like the others who just list names and say we already have someone.”]
Binay, though, expressed optimism that Estrada will accept his offer.
UNA’s senatorial lineup being finalized
Binay said that Parañaque councilor Alma Moreno, the current chairman of the Philippine Councilors League, and Princess Jacel Kiram, the daughter of Sultan of Sulu, will run for Senate seats under UNA.
Binay is convinced that Kiram will help ensure that the country’s claim to Sabah will not be neglected.
UNA is also considering Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao to be included in their senatorial lineup for next year’s elections.
When asked how many are already in UNA’s final lineup, the vice president, in a light mood, told reporters: “Secret.”
