DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay may be serious about wanting to tap Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II as his running mate for the 2016 presidential elections, but for the Liberal Party stalwart it’s not even an option.

“Kahit kelan, kahit papaano, hinding-hindi po ako sasama sa hindi daang matuwid, doon po ako sa daang matuwid, sa malinis, sa walang mantya, walang bahid ng kahit anong corruption doon sa kanilang pagseserbisyo,” Roxas told reporters on Friday, April 10, in Dagupan City, at the sidelines of a bottom-up budgetting forum.

(Whatever happens, I will never ally myself with those who are not on the straight path. I will go for those who have a clean record and no trace of corruption in their service.)

Roxas was alluding to the biggest corruption scandal to hit Binay is almost two decades in politics. Binay is accused of pocketing millions of pesos during his stint as mayor of Makati, allegedly earning kickbacks from projects and acquiring land and property through dummies.

The Senate blue ribbon subcommittee has investigated and uncovered these corruption allegations against Binay for the past 6 months.

Binay is thus far the only politician with clear plans and the machinery for a 2016 bid for the presidency.

Roxas, who ran as vice president under President Benigno Aquino III in 2010, is seen by many as the Liberal Party’s bet for president in 2016. (READ: Mar Roxas on 2016 election: I can defeat Binay – again)

But the interior chief has been coy about his plans for 2016, insisting that his priority is the task at hand. As head of the interior department and chairman of the National Police Commission, he oversees a national police force dealing with its biggest crisis to date.

At the Dagupan People’s Gymnasium, Roxas was met with loud cheers and banners, thanking him and the President for their work. But Roxas’ answer to questions about 2016 was not affected by the mood at the event or by calls of other individuals and groups for him to say once and for all if he’s running in 2016 or not.

“Para as akin, trabaho tayo. Ako naman ay interesado na magpatuloy ‘yan at kung ano man ang ipagpasya ni PNoy, handa naman ako na tumulong sa kahit anong paraan para magpatuloy,” he told reporters.

(As far as I’m concerned, I’ll work. I’m interested in continuing the President’s projects and whatever the President decides, I’m ready to help through any means.) – Rappler.com