"I am ready to serve this country" - Loren

CEBU, Philippines - Two-time number one Senator Loren Legarda says she is ready to run for president, as she expressed optimism to be the standards bearer of the National People’s Coalition.

In a press conference before she attended the 10th Cordova Dinagat Festival yesterday, Legarda said winning the presidency “is not all about money” but is about someone who has “the vision, the passion and the compassion to serve the country and its people.”

Legarda said she believes that not all Filipinos can be bought.

“I am prepared, able and competent to lead this country,” Legarda said, disclosing that NPC is now on assessing who between her and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is the right standard bearer for the party.

For now, Legarda said continues to feel the pulse of the people and the sentiments of local officials on her plan to run for president.

“I am young enough to dream and too old to know the problems of this country. I am ready to serve this country,” she said. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)