Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ announcement to run for vice president ended speculations that talks on a tandem between him and United Nationalist Alliance’s (UNA) Jejomar Binay were nearly final.
In a forum on Wednesday (October 7), Marcos said he declined Vice President Binay’s offer because of the political divide between their groups – although he refused to divulge what issues they did not agree on.
“The political divide was a little too wide to breach in every level. Hindi lang kami ni VP Binay kundi yung kasama pa namin,” Marcos said.
Related: UNA formally picks Honasan as Binay’s running mate
As for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the senator still believes what the mayor told him last week, that he is not running. Marcos said in a statement that Duterte promised him support should he run.
As a member of the Nacionalista Party (NP), Marcos also said he will rely on his supporters and friends who offered financial help to fund his campaign.
Marcos now joins four other vice presidential aspirants, but he believes his lengthy experience in politics differentiates him from the rest.
Related: Bongbong Marcos running for vice president in 2016
He admitted, though, that this coming election is the most complicated one he’s ever come across.
The senator confirmed he is open to possible alliances as the political situation continues to unfold.
An official announcement for his vice presidential bid will be held this Saturday (October 10) in Intramuros.
Mom Imelda disappointed with Bongbong’s decision
Marcos earlier said he was leaning on running for higher office or as a re-electionist but claimed he chose to run for vice president.
He said gunning for the highest office in the land was not the right time.
According to the senator, his mother Imelda was disappointed with his decision.
“This admin has not exactly been supportive of the Marcoses. Anything we do is opposed as policy by this admin… I might be naive but maybe it is time to return to fundamental understanding of why we run for politics. Not because we want to do better for ourselves,” Marcos said.
“I truly believe I was put on this earth to serve. That’s what I’ll continue to do until the day I die,” he added.
VP no longer a spare tire
Marcos believes the role of the vice president has changed – that it’s no longer a “spare tire.”
The senator said it is up to the person in the position.
Related: Who is Bongbong Marcos?
If he wins as vice president, the senator told the media that he will focus on education, agriculture and infrastructure among others.
On education, he said there is no national policy on this sector and will address the quality of teaching and the lack of a support system for teachers.
On agriculture, Marcos also said there is lack of policy that will help the economy.
“The irrigable areas in the PH today is smaller than the irrigable areas in 1986. Since 1986, walang nadagdagan na irrigation, areas to be irrigated.”
The senator also supports lower income taxes.
Marcos pointed out that the government has become overly aggressive in its taxation policy and that the government must be convinced to change it into a more rational one.
“I believe the tax policy that we have now, has no central concept, no rationale except to collect, collect, and collect,” said Marcos.
As for the territorial dispute with China, Marcos told reporters that he is willing to try all ways to resolve the problem – urging to start with the fishermen affected.
Marcos noticed “for the first time, the Chinese ambassador said we should have bilateral talks under the frame of international law.”
According to the senator, “we have had the right claim to international law.”
Marcos also voiced his opposition to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States.
The senator said it is disadvantageous to the country and that the agreement should first be ratified by the Senate.
