MANILA, Philippines – Is Senator Alan Peter Cayetano still considering running for president in 2016? He said he will decide in 6 months. 

In an interview with radio station DZRH on Wednesday, December 24, Cayetano said his decision will depend on survey numbers.

“Before, there were only 4 or 5 contenders so we were always coming in third, second, sometimes fourth and I’m grateful to the people, but in the next 6 months, I just want to fulfill the promises I made in 2013, the bills that I want finished,” he said. “When June arrives, I will again look at the numbers.” 

Cayetano said if he feels the support of the public, he is “very ready” to run. “I don’t hide from my desire to change our country and I think I can do a lot,” he said.

Cayetano admitted to eyeing the presidency earlier this year, with several sources saying the 43-year-old senator is closely monitoring surveys to evaluate his chances. (READ: Cayetano eyes presidency, forms team)

Cayetano has seen a drop in his numbers over the past year. In the June Pulse Asia survey on presidential preferences, 5% of respondents said they would vote for Cayetano. The number went down to 1% in the September survey. He lost support across the board, including NCR and Balance Luzon where he previously posted the highest numbers.

The most recent November survey showed Cayetano go up again to 3%, putting him at 8th place in the latest poll.

The lawmaker has led a Senate probe into corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay, the top contender in the 2016 polls. Both Binay and Cayetano’s numbers have fallen since the start of the probe. – Rappler.com