Binay-Duterte in 2016? ‘Being considered’ – VP

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Friday, May 22, that he is considering Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as his running mate in the 2016 elections.

Asked if he would consider a tandem with Duterte in next year’s polls, Binay said in an interview on ABS-CBN Davao in Davao City, “Being considered.”

He added, “Siguro naman hindi magagalit si Mayor Duterte. Qualified ‘yun, successful mayor ‘yan (Surely Mayor Duterte won’t get angry [that I’m considering him]. He is qualified; he’s a successful mayor).”

Duterte shares one of Binay’s known support base, the local government units. (READ: Binay vs Duterte in 2016?)

Asked about the statement of neophyte Senator Grace Poe that she cannot be his running mate, the Vice President said, “I respect her decision.” (READ: Poe on tandem with Binay: ‘I don’t see it happening’)

Binay is the only one, so far, to publicly declare his bid for the presidency in 2016. Though hounded by corruption allegations, he continues to lead in national surveys on presidential candidates.

Th Social Weather Stations survey results in March showed him in “statistical tie” with  Poe. Duterte, who is still weighing whether to seek higher office next year, is ranked third among potential presidential aspirants in the latest SWS survey.

The Davao mayor has been going on “listening tours” around the country, to gauge public reception to his possible candidacy.

In his first overseas listening tour in Hong Kong on May 17, Duterte told thousands of Filipino workers that should he run and win the presidency in 2016, there will be no room for failure. (READ: As president, ‘I can’t afford to fail’ – Duterte) – Rappler.com