VICE President Jejomar Binay shrugged off insinuations that he may be interested in tapping Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto as his running-mate in the 2016 presidential elections.
Binay met Recto in Batangas last Friday for a presentation of the government’s shelter programs. He said his visit was purely part of his duties as housing czar.
"(It is) still too early to make an announcement. If I make an announcement this early, I will be hurting some people. Let's just do our jobs," Binay said.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada was reportedly the main contender for the slot but this has not been so following his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
Batangas is one of the provinces that have a shelter program, as Binay lauded Recto for her achievements as a veteran actress and public servant.
"This is the first time that I learned of a governor who is actively involved in the shelter planning and programs. This is needed, and according to the law it is the local government units that are primarily responsible for the shelter needs of their constituents," Binay said.
Binay, a former mayor of Makati City, said Recto should also serve as an example to other local officials, citing her determination to fight poverty in Batangas and her resourcefulness.
He added that most successful chief executives in the United States come from state or local governments.
"They are executives in their own right. In the United States, successful presidents were former state governors. The magnitudes differ but it's all the same. The job of a mayor, governor, president is all the same but differs in magnitude. The decision-making and the leadership requirements are the same," Binay pointed out.
Asked if Recto can make a good vice president, Binay said: "She would not reach three terms if she is not a good governor." (Jun Sarmiento/Sunnex)