MANILA, Philippines – Is a Manuel Roxas II and Grace Poe tandem a possibility in the 2016 elections?

The ruling Liberal Party (LP), which is expected to tap Roxas as its standard bearer for the upcoming polls, has said it is in talks with the senator to pair up with Roxas.

But on Tuesday, April 21, Poe told Rappler there has been no discussions. She was responding to a possibility of a team-up with the Interior Secretary.

“There has been no formal offer from them,” Poe said in a text message, clarifying that neither the LP or Roxas has talked to her.  

She added, “It’s hard to interpret feelers that are not direct to the point. I cannot comment on the possibilities because Sec Mar himself has not publicly declared his intentions.”

In a news report, LP’s political affairs adviser, Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice, is quoted as saying the LP is formally trying to convince Poe to join them in 2016 as vice-president to Roxas.

Roxas has yet to announce his plans, but he is the presumed bet after he stepped down from the presidential race to make way for party mate and now President Benigno Aquino III.

Roxas lost the vice presidential race to Jejomar Binay in 2010.

Poe is among the top contenders for the May presidential elections, but she has yet to express her interest in running for the post.

In the latest voters’ preference survey on potential presidential candidates, Poe trails Binay with 14% against Binay’s 29%. Roxas is in 6th place with 4%. – Rappler.com