Noy to become elder statesman after term – Binay

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay sees President Aquino serving as an elder statesman after he steps down in 2016.

In an interview with dzRH yesterday, Binay said Aquino should just play the role of elder statesman like what former President Fidel Ramos has been doing since stepping down from office in 1998.

Administration ally Cavite Rep. Elipido Barzaga Jr. had suggested that Aquino run for vice president of Liberal Party standard-bearer and outgoing interior and local government secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., however, maintained that Aquino has made up his mind not to reenter government when his term ends next year.

In the same radio interview, Binay was also asked what hashtags he would give his potential rivals in the 2016 presidential polls, Roxas and Sen. Grace Poe.

A hashtag is used to mark keywords or topics on microblogging site Twitter.

Binay said he thought #ehdiwownawow would be appropriate for Roxas and #wowwowwow for Poe.

He declined to assign a hashtag for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, saying the latter has not expressed interest in seeking the presidency.

Asked about his hashtag for Aquino, Binay replied with a question, “magkakandidato ba (is he running)?”

In an interview early this week, Aquino was asked what hashtag would be appropriate for Binay, Aquino answered #EhDiWow.

Aquino used the same phrase during his last State of the Nation Address to express disbelief at the Vice President’s criticisms of his administration.

In contrast, Aquino assigned #Inspiring to Roxas and #SaTamangPanahon for Poe. Aquino earlier admitted that they were still trying to convince Poe to be Roxas’ running mate.

Meanwhile, Binay said the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) has shortlisted to three from five its choices for his possible running mate. He declined to give names, however.

Meanwhile, in Albuera in Leyte, Cavite Gov. Juanito Remulla Jr. said UNA is set to reveal its vice presidential candidate as well as its senatorial slate very soon.

Remulla was in this Yolanda-ravaged Leyte town to turn over three tractors and 200 sacks of corn grits donated by Cavite.

Mayor Ramon dela Cerna Jr. and other town officials received the donation. The Cavite governor clarified he is not part of UNA’s senatorial slate as he has opted to seek reelection.

On corruption allegations against Binay, Remulla said “in politics, there are always issues, accusations.” He said Binay’s accusers were engaged in “squid tactics” and that “what is important is knowing the truth, integrity and the capacity of a person.”

He said the people will realize the wisdom of choosing Binay as the country’s next leader.  Lalaine Jimenea