Defense chief not keen on running for vice president

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sunday said running for vice president “is not in the horizon" as he continued to express optimism that he would be the administration coalition’s standard bearer in next year’s elections. Teodoro said his poor performance in various surveys on 2010 presidential aspirants is not affecting his optimism to gun for the country’s highest position next year. “On me having a lot of catching up to do, that’s true. But I expect that the administration coalition is solid. Now, that’s up to the members of the administration coalition. If they like me, they are going to take the necessary steps to promote my name," he said. On the possibility of running for vice president – or even senator – in the event he is not chosen as the coalition’s presidential candidate, Teodoro said, “At the moment, that is not in my horizon." “Let us wait first for the result of the coalition talk," he added. Teodoro, who was named as Defense chief in 2007 after serving as Tarlac congressman for nine straight years, is a nephew of business tycoon and National People’s Coalition (NPC) founding chairman Eduardo “Danding" Cojuanco. He said he enjoys the support of a large number of local chief executives within the administration coalition. “I was encouraged [to consider running for presidency] because there are many members of the administration coalition who are pushing for me, the governors, mayors," the Defense chief said. - GMANews.TV