Grace Poe: I think Aquino wants me to be Mar’s VP

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – After at least 3 meetings that lasted hours, President Benigno Aquino III has not given survey leader Senator Grace Poe a categorical offer to run for president or vice president.

But Poe, speaking to ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) on Monday, July 27, said she thinks the President wants her to become the running mate of presumptive Liberal Party presidential candidate Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

“It’s pretty clear that Secretary Mar wants to run for the presidency, so the talks that we’ve had was perhaps to be a part of that if I decide to join the team. It’ll probably be as his vice president,” Poe told ANC.

Aquino is expected to endorse his anointed candidate later this week, after the State of the Nation Address.

Supporters of Poe, an administration ally, have been hoping that she will get Aquino’s endorsement. She ran for senator in 2013 under the LP-led coalition banner. She topped the race.

“But there’s been no definite statement from the President to say that I should be the vice president,” Poe said.

Poe said she is still in the “period of discernment.”

“My decision will not only affect a few people but the country,” she said. 

“I pray for the courage to be able to accept what I feel would be best for the country,” she added.

In a chance interview during a party hosted by an entertainment magazine the same night, Poe said she “hasn’t really thought” about delivering her own SONA one day.

“Attending is more likely but I haven’t really thought about it, actually delivering,” she said. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com