Binay says Villar on list of running mates

MANILA, Philippines - With his presidential bid for 2016 firmed up, Vice President Jejomar Binay is considering former senator Manuel Villar as his running mate.

Binay also said he is set to launch a new party by the first quarter of 2015. The vice president ran under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in 2010.

Villar ran but lost to then Sen. Benigno Aquino III in the 2010 presidential elections.

Binay also said UNA is considering Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Vicente Sotto III, Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and former Manila mayor Lito Atienza for its senatorial slate in 2016.

The Vice President said he and former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada had a meeting a month ago. He did not say what they discussed, but he said the encounter was “friendly.”

Binay also reiterated that he was not the source of reports that the Liberal Party was planning to adopt him as its presidential candidate in 2016.

“We just heard that they were talking about it,” Binay said. “They planned to adopt me. Once you are adopted, it means that you will be their guest candidate.”

Binay said they would have launched his new political party last June 12, but had to call it off because of other issues at the time like the pork barrel controversy.

He said he is happy that many politicians and officials are joining or have shown interest in joining his group despite the corruption allegations raised against him and his family.