MANILA, Philippines - After a closed-door meeting with Liberal Party (LP) leaders on Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III won't say if they have chosen a vice presidential candidate.
In an ambush interview with reporters, Aquino won't confirm if Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo has accepted the party's offer to be the running mate of Manuel Roxas II.
"Meron pang mga prosesong dinadaanan si Leni. Pabayaan na natin si Leni ang magsalita next week," Aquino told reporters following the LP National Executive Council convention in Cubao, Quezon City.
Aquino made the statement after LP stalwart House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said that Robredo informally gave her consent to be the LP's vice presidential bet.
The president revealed last week that he met with Robredo to convince her to run for vice president.
Aquino also met with Sen. Alan Cayetano who announced recently that he will seek the vice presidency but not under the administration coalition.
Reacting to Cayetano's decision, Aquino expressed hope that the senator and the administration will be able to work together in the future.
"Noong araw sinabi ko naman sa kanya, parang ako naniniwla doon sa 'di ba na 'yung lumipas, lumipas na e, hindi mo na mababago yun," the president said.
"Hinihintay na lang natin 'yung kasalukuyan at saka 'yung kinabukasan. Baka iyon ang pwedeng pagtulungan," he added.