Aquino won't pick Binay as 2016 bet - LP solon

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III was referring to Vice President Jejomar Binay when he warned the public yesterday against candidates "extolling populist sentiments with no substance," a member of the Liberal Party said.

"To me, it's clearly the Vice President. Populist statements without substance. So, it's clear that he will not choose the Vice President," Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said in an interview with ANC on Tuesday afternoon.

Erice said Aquino will not choose Binay as his potential successor just because of the personal relationship between their families.

"We're not talking here of personal relationship but governance. Palagay ko, kayang-kayang maghiwalay ito sa kaisipan ng Pangulo," Erice said.

In a forum with businessmen on Tuesday, Aquino said choosing the right candidate, and not a second term for him, is the correct solution for the country's problems.

Aquino said there should be a "continuation of people of like mind who will deliver on the promises that are real and not just self-serving or nice, pleasant to hear."

"With regard to how do we sustain this after 2016, then perhaps I will vote for the right candidate. And if I can ask you also to discern properly as to who is extolling populist sentiments with no substance as opposed to those who not only say the right things but whom you can trust to deliver the same," he said.

Aquino, however, still did not name his preferred successor.

Erice said the Liberal Party (LP) will start its process of choosing its standard-bearer next year. He said Aquino should announce his pick during his last State of the Nation Address.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II remains to be the presumptive presidential bet of the LP. However, he is still behind Binay in the presidential surveys, who stays as a frontrunner despite his ratings decline due to corruption allegations.

Binay has accused Roxas as the brains behind the alleged "Oplan Stop Nognog 2016" and has criticized the administration for supposedly targeting members of the opposition.

Binay's attacks fuelled speculations that he is severing his ties with Aquino.