Binay-Jinggoy tandem in 2016 polls?

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay is "definitely" and "most probably" the standard bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in the 2016 presidential elections, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said on Thursday.

Estrada, however, denied to confirm that he is already being slated by UNA as its vice presidential bet for 2016. He said he has yet to talk with Binay.

"In fairness to Vice President Binay we haven’t talked with regard to who will be his running mate," Estrada said in a television interview on Thursday morning.

In the 2010 elections, Jinggoy's father, former President Joseph Estrada ran but lost in the presidential race. Binay, who won in the polls, was his running mate.

Asked  what would make him to consider running for vice president, Estrada said: “First of all, surveys. I have yet to go around the country and feel the pulse of the people.”

Estrada also identified Senators Chiz Escudero, Bong Revilla, Bong-Bong Marcos, Alan Cayetano, and Senator-elect Grace Poe as possible strong contenders for the vice presidential post.

"It might be tough of course. Senator Chiz is a respected lawmaker. Grace turned out to be number one. She's very intelligent, I can vouch for it. She's my kumadre. Senator Alan (Cayetano) may also want to join the race, maybe Sen. Bong Revilla, even Sen. Marcos," he said.

"Let's just cross the bridge when we get there... Malalakas ang mga kalaban. Maraming pwedeng mangyari. Pero siguro early next year marami na ring realignments ng partido yan," Estrada added.

After topping the senatorial elections, Poe was touted as a strong contender for the next presidential race with Escudero as her possible runningmate.

Last month, Escudero played coy on the possibility of running along with Poe in the next elections.

"Masyadong nang maraming umaaway sa akin dahil sa mga 2016 na 'yan, huwag na rin muna siguro ngayon baka may umaway na naman, masyado pang malayo yon," said Escudero.

"Pareho kaming walang pera eh - Mahirap yon sa ngayon, given what we have and what we are now," he added.