Palace OK with VP Binay's announcement of 2016 bid

Malacañang sees nothing wrong with Vice President Jejomar Binay announcing his intention to run for president in 2016, saying he was just being honest. “That's being very honest of him to declare his intentions," said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. “There’s nothing wrong with that." He said the matter has not been discussed with President Benigno Aquino III as they were busy preparing for Aquino's official visit to the United States next week and to Japan the following week. Lacierda said they respect Binay’s decision to make public his plans and believe that Binay will continue working toward the fulfillment of the mandate of the Aquino administration. “We respect it. Right now, sabi rin niya, we are all working for the Aquino government so I'm sure that's just a declaration na at least he was very honest but I'm sure he will work towards the fulfilling also the mandate of the Aquino administration," he said. Lacierda said he believes the announcement will not add tension between Binay and Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II, whom Binay defeated in last year’s vice presidential race. “We don't even know the intentions of Secretary Mar Roxas yet. Right now all I can tell you si Secretary Mar Roxas is committed in his promise to deliver better coaches for trains, better infrastructure for the roads, for the airports," he said. Presidential Communications Operations head Herminio Coloma Jr, for his part, said Binay is just affirming his preparedness for the topmost elected position. “In our system of government, the Vice President is the constitutional successor to the Pres. When the people elect a vice president, they consider that this person must be prepared for the presidency. VP Binay’s announcement may be viewed as an act of re- affirming his preparedness for the position," he said in a text message. - KBK, GMA News