Bongbong Claims Poe’s Declaration Expected, Signals Other Candidates to Decide

Subic Bay Freeport (PNA) — Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos claimed Thursday that the announcement of Senator Grace Poe to run for the presidency did not surprise him.

“It was very well expected. It is clear that she will run as President since the past weeks,” Marcos said.

He said that the political terrain has become clearer.

“The declaration will help other candidates to decide what they will do. We will also be forced to decide,” the Ilocano lawmaker said.

When asked when he will announce his candidacy, Marcos said he has no date yet.

“We will announce it once I have a date, a decision. I will make it known not only to the media but the whole country.”

He said his decision to run and be paired with Vice President Jejomar Binay will not be based on percentage.

“Making decision is not by percentage. If someone wants to run, go run. If the imponderable variable is already in place and clear, it will be clearer then on what should I do,” he said laughing.

Marcos said the Nacionalista Party (NP) to which he belongs has not yet decided on whom to support for president.

“Without doubt, the NP will be involved in the 2016 elections whatever happens. If there is no presidential candidate within the party, it will look for others on whom to support once the situation is clear,” he said.

He said that members of the NP recently met and saw many political alliances, developments as the date of filing of certificates of candidacy in October nears.

“The NP is still in consultation with different groups and will choose the best programs it will support,” Bongbong said.

The senator was guest of honor in the general membership meeting of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) held at the Subic Bay Exhibit and Convention Center in the Freeport.

He was met by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Roberto Garcia and SBFCC president Rose Baldeo.

Marcos, in his speech, dealt on the worsening traffic in Metro Manila that he said caused nasal congestion because of air pollution.

He cited SBMA as a good alternative to ease traffic and port congestion. (PNA) FPV/ZST/EBE/PS