Weighing options, Bongbong to reveal 2016 plans soon

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still weighing his options for the 2016 elections but may reveal his political plans next week.

In a speech delivered before members of the National Unity Party, Marcos immediately clarified that he would not announce anything about his election plans.

"I'm afraid I'm not making any earth-shaking announcement today," Marcos said during the party's convention in Pasay City on Monday.

"When we are talking about a national position, a candidate for any national position cannot make it if he is alone. You need the assistance and the help of your own party and also of those who have aligned with you in certain levels. And that is important," he added.

In an ambush interview, Marcos said he is still open to running for president or vice president, noting that several things have to be considered in coming up with a decision.

"Let's just say we are studying both options," the senator said.

"It (decision) will be out very, very soon. But I don't want to preempt the discussions of different groups especially of my own party, the Nacionalista Party. We are still putting the finishing touches on our planned involvement in the 2016,"

When asked when he will announce his decision, Marcos replied: "As I said, it will be very soon. It's almost October. Maybe around next week, we will be able to announce."

Marcos admitted that one of his considerations is the next move of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who has sent mixed signals on his political plans. Duterte had previously said that he is not running for president but later on vowed to reconsider his decision because of the appeal of his supporters.

"We do not know yet what Mayor Digong (Duterte's nickname) will do. We will have to wait for his announcement," Marcos said.

"I don't know whether it is a huge factor or not. It is part (of the consideration) because the political landscape. And of course, it will be part of the assessment," he added.

Marcos said he is still in talks with various groups including the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has reportedly invited the senator to be his running mate.

I wouldn't call it negotiations but just a continuing discussion. Of course, everyone has a slightly different idea, slightly different approach so we are harmonizing those approaches.

Meanwhile, Marcos slammed what he called as "polarizing and divisive" politics that is hampering the country's progress.

"There seems to be a policy in the past few years of polarizing, confronting, and eventually this adversarial form of government, where it becomes part of government policy to impose some vengeance, or some vindictiveness, or to go after so-called political opponents or enemies," Marcos said.

"This adversarial kind of political activity has been to the detriment of our country's development," he added.

Marcos said the electorate should elect leaders who would unite the country and set aside politics for the common good.