2016 Face Off VP BINAY SAYS HE IS READY TO FACE DUTERTE, ESTRADA

By Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay welcomes the possibility of his facing off with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte or former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada in the 2016 presidential elections.

“Mayor Duterte is very qualified,” Binay said when asked for comment on the possibility of the Davao City mayor running for the highest office next year.

Duterte floated the idea during a forum on federalism in Butuan City on Thursday.

Duterte said he would definitely not steal or tolerate corruption in government if he becomes president. He also vowed to work for a shift to the federal form of government.

“I’m not that ambitious nor do I love to boast but if I will be president, after my term is over I will have federalism as the new form of government,” the Davao City mayor was quoted as saying in an Interaksyon report.

“Maybe, maybe I will get there but initially I try to say no because I’m not really interested. But the more I listen to the pain and suffering of the people… well, I still need the sign from God,” he added.

Duterte earlier balked at the idea of running for higher office despite clamor from various sectors.

On the likelihood of running against Estrada, Binay said he sees no problem with it, adding “people will have more choices.”

A recent Supreme Court ruling on the disqualification case against Estrada has spawned speculations that the mayor would make another bid for the presidency.

But Estrada emphasized he would only take another crack at the presidency if neither Binay nor Sen. Grace Poe would challenge the administration bet.

In a radio interview in Isabela on Friday, Binay called reports on Estrada gunning for the presidency as “speculation.” He said Estrada might seek reelection because his preferred successor, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, is eyeing a Senate or a congressional seat.

While he welcomes the idea of Estrada running in 2016 as his vice president, Binay stressed that selection of his running mate would have to go through a process.