PNoy on Grace Poe: Lines are still open

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III maintained on Thursday that the administration is still considering Sen. Grace Poe as its possible vice presidential candidate in the 2016 elections.

Aquino told Palace reporters in a chance interview that while he has no more scheduled meeting with Poe, he is ready to communicate with the senator.

"Ngayon walang naka-schedule, parang I think we have all said our respective views. We have said it already, and like I said, the lines are still open pero walang formal na meeting," the President said.

Aquino made the statement amid reports that Poe is now seriously considering a shot at the presidency.

Aquino met with Poe and Sen. Francis Escudero to discuss the 2016 elections before eventually endorsing Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II as the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party.

With Aquino seeking to maintain the administration's coalition with Poe, the Liberal Party continues to court the senator to be Roxas' running mate.

Poe, who ran under the administration ticket in the 2013 elections, led the latest surveys on voters' presidential preference.

She zoomed past Vice President Jejomar Binay, the previous survey topnotcher, while Roxas lagged behind at third place.

Aquino declined to answer when asked how long the Liberal Party is willing to wait for Poe's decision.

"Baka ang dapat tanungin natin si Secretary Mar dahil tayo ngayon ay kumbaga dakilang alalay na lang muna," Aquino said.

He downplayed fears that the administration is running out of time to choose a vice presidential bet.

"At the end of the day, 'di ba, 'yung election is still in May and there is plenty of time to introduce whoever the running mate of Secretary Mar," Aquino said.

The president added that they will iron out everything before the filing of the certificates of candidacy in October.

"Matatapos natin lahat 'yong napag-usapan," he said.