Rama endorses 4 names as Binay’s runningmate

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has recommended at least four names for Vice President Jejomar Binay to choose from for his runningmate in the 2016 presidential elections.

Binay, who has already announced his intention to run for president under the United Nationalist Alliance, has yet to choose his vice presidential candidate.

Rama suggested that Binay should choose among Senator Grace Poe, former president Joseph Estrada, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and TV host/comedian Marvic “Vic” Sotto as his runningmate.

Rama admitted that his recommendation was allegedly tackled in a “serious discussion with Binay” during his visit in Manila on March 2.

“If Grace Poe becomes the vice president for Binay, praise the Lord. It would be a very nice combination. All praises will be given,” Rama said.

Rama said that he also wants a Sotto for the vice president, saying that Vic and Tito’s “very famous” noontime show would help. Rama added that the Binay-Estrada tandem would also be “unbeatable”.

“Estrada and Binay should not be away from each other. If their tandem will be there, it is always unbeatable. That has been my prayer,” Rama said.

According to Rama, the vice president grinned when he made the suggestion. Rama earlier floated the idea of President Benigno Aquino III as possible runningmate of Binay. He then called the tandem as Binoy.

Rama also believes that the tandem would be “unbeatable” because Aquino has “great knowledge in economy” and Binay is a “political genius.”

When asked why he does not anymore endorse the Binoy tandem, Rama said “things have to change.”

“Politics creates strength of its fellows. Politics can change,” he said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)