Trillanes says he’s 100% sure about 2016 vice presidential bid

From a military officer to senator to vice president?

On Thursday, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said he is 100 percent sure about seeking the vice presidency in 2016.

 

Trillanes made the declaration even as the Nacionalista Party (NP), to which he is affiliated with, has yet to announce its candidates for the national elections next year. 

 

"Yes, I am 100 percent sure na tatakbo ako as vice president," he told reporters during the weekly Senate forum. 

 

He added that he will still pursue this bid even if his party decides to take in a standard-bearer and his or her running mate outside NP. 

 

"I will remain a member of the party [even if this happens]," he said. 

 

Within their party, he said his colleagues, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., are being considered as the party's standard-bearer. 

 

As for vice president, Trillanes said: "Ako ang nauna, wala namang kumontra roon."

 

However, among the options the party is considering is a possible alliance with the Liberal Party, or supporting the possible presidential bids of Sen. Grace Poe, Interior Sec. Mar Roxas, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. 

 

Trillanes admitted that it will be difficult for his campaign if the NP supports the running mate of another presidential candidate.

Still, the former Navy officer said he is certain to get the support of former Senate President Manny Villar, the leader of their party. 

 

Further, Trillanes said his Magdalo group has around 450,000 identified members. "Whatever we lack for in funds, we make up for in the grassroots." 

Chiz for VP?

 

At the same media forum, Trillanes said he sees Sen. Francis Escudero running for vice president with Sen. Grace Poe as the Bicolano senator's presidential running mate. Escudero, however, has yet to categorically state his political plans for 2016.

 

On Escudero's better ranking in popularity surveys than him, Trillanes said: "I'll take it as a challenge. Malaki ang lamang niya pero sige lang, laban lang."  

 

He added that he is "not afraid of losing," as was his attitude when he ran while in detention in 2007, and again in 2013. 

 

He said his bid is "not hinged on winnability, but kung ito ay tamang gawin." 

 

"Hindi naman kami sumusuntok sa buwan dito. Dati rin mababa kami sa survey pero nanalo naman ako. So kaya yan," he said. — RSJ, GMA News