Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Interior Secretary and Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas was not about to give up yet on Sen. Grace Poe.
Roxas said he was still awaiting Poe’s response to his offer to be his running mate in next year’s elections.
He said this on the sidelines of the National Health Summit in Pasay City on Friday (August 14) where he delivered the keynote address before hundreds of local government officials and health officers.
Roxas said he has not made up his mind yet in choosing who his final running mate would be and was still looking forward to hear Poe’s plans for 2016.
‘MarGarin’
During the speech, Roxas had a light moment.
He said if he and Health Secretary Janet Garin would team up, they will be called “MarGarin” – better than butter.
When asked if he is seriously considering Garin as a running mate, Roxas only said they both hail from Panay Island and belong to the LP.
Setting aside plans to run for higher office, Garin said her main focus is the health sector.
Aquino: Up to Mar to choose his VP
President Benigno Aquino III said the LP remained confident that they would be able to find a running mate for Roxas before the filing of certificates of candidacy in October.
The president was definite all talks would conclude before October.
“At the end of the day, ‘di ba, ‘yung election is still in May and there is plenty of time to introduce whoever the running mate of Secretary Mar,” he said.
The president added that he has not set a meeting with Poe, who Roxas himself and the party hope can become Roxas’ running mate.
“I think we have all said our respective views. We have said it already,” Aquino said.
But according to the president, the lines were still open for talks.
Aquino, however, said it would still be up to Roxas to choose his running mate.
“Ang dapat tanungin natin si Secretary Mar dahil tayo ngayon ay kumbaga dakilang alalay na lang muna,” Aquino told the media.
[Translation: We have to ask Secretary Mar because our main role for now is to support him.]
