GMA keeping option open on VP choice

She’s keeping her options open.

President Arroyo indicated this yesterday on the matter relating to her imminent appointment of a vice president following her takeover of the presidency on Jan. 20.

While the President noted that three past presidents did not appoint a vice president, she is considering naming one soon.

She said the late Presidents Elpidio Quirino, Carlos Garcia and Sergio Osmeña opted to have no vice president.

"But I will make the proper decision at the appropriate time and let me tell you that I am praying for guidance to select the best person to hold that office," Mrs. Arroyo told reporters before taking off from Mactan Airbase in Cebu City.

She said she should nominate the second highest official of the land for legislative confirmation before Congress goes on recess on Feb. 8.

"If I want Congress to confirm it in these sessions, then it should be this coming week," Mrs. Arroyo said.

She admitted having difficulty in choosing her second in command even as she expressed confidence the people will respect and accept her nominee.

Mrs. Arroyo also said she has to conduct several consultations before she finally appoints the new vice president.

She refused to give any hint of the potential contenders. "Until I make my decision, it’s really better to avoid speculations because that would really be a difficult decision for me to make."

The President pointed out that she could have easily made the decision on the matter if she would base it on the standard criteria of competence, integrity and other virtues.

However, there are several other things to consider, she added.

Among the strong contenders to the vice presidency are Senate Minority Leader Teofisto Guingona Jr., Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Senators Raul Roco, Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Franklin Drilon.