Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The United National Alliance (UNA) formally offered Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II the position to be the running mate of Vice President Jejomar Binay for the 2016 elections on Tuesday (October 6), as confirmed by the party’s president Toby Tiangco.
Tiangco said he met with Honasan on Tuesday to present the offer, but Honasan said he will have to consult with his family first.
Honasan admitted his family is still reluctant in accepting the offer.
“I’ve been explaining to them that this is a matter of duty. And this will actually not only benefit them, but… the next generation of Filipino leaders and citizens,” he said.
He is also listening to the advice of his close friends, Sens. Juan Ponce Enrile and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, telling him to be careful in making a decision.
“I want to be remembered, whatever the outcome is, as somebody who made his decisions, not only in terms of the personalities involved, but the issues that are involved,” Honasan added.
He said that although he is considering the offer, he may still say no.
Honasan also revealed that he initially planned to retire in 2019 when his term ends.
Although UNA did not impose a deadline for Honasan’s answer, Tiangco said the senator is aware of the time constraint with the filing of certificate of candidacy a few days away.
When asked why the party chose Honasan, Tiangco said Honasan has been with UNA since it started.
Honasan is currently the vice president of UNA. He also ran under UNA in 2013, when it was still a coalition between PDP-LABAN and PMP.
Tiangco said Honasan’s expertise on peace and order, as well as in national defense is what set him apart from the other vice presidential aspirants.
This formal offer to Honasan came after the talks between UNA and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s camp failed to materialize.
