BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – Iloilo’s Sen. Franklin Drilon is “qualified” for a higher position in 2016, a Malacañang official told Panay News.
“He is the Senate President. He had served as Executive Secretary of the late President Corazon Aquino,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
Lacierda did not say which higher position is suited for Drilon but noted the Ilonggo senator’s experience “in terms of governance.”
Drilon had also served as secretary of the Department of Justice and Department of Labor and Employment under the first Aquino administration.
Lacierda said “there has been no decision yet” as to the choice of the President for the administration party’s standard bearer for 2016 elections.
President Benigno Aquino III is considering “a number of people,” Lacierda said.
In a separate interview, Drilon told Panay News he is not interested to run for a higher position.
Drilon denied rumors circulating in his home province that he is set to run for vice president.
Liberal Party has yet to discuss 2016 political plans, he added.
“Ang pinag-uusapan ay kung paano po natin maaayos itong mga problemang hinaharap natin, at tumutulong po kami sa mga polisiya ng Pangulong Noynoy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malacañang reiterated its call for Filipinos to elect in the next polls leaders who will continue the administration’s reforms.
“Given the need to continue the reforms, I think the Filipino people will be more than knowledgeable to determine what kind of leaders they should elect for the next elections,” Lacierda said./PN
