Binay: PNoy should ignore 'quarters with vested interests'

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Thursday he respects the statement of President Aquino expressing his openness to amending the Constitution and the prospect of seeking re-election in 2016.

"Any national leader would want to hear the voice of the people on issues that will have far-reaching consequences," Binay said in his Twitter account.

"What is important is that the voice he hears is an authentic and genuine voice, not one manufactured by quarters with vested interests who are driven mainly by self-preservation," he added.

1/6 President Aquino has been quoted as expressing openness to listen to the people on the matter of seeking another term.

— Jejomar C. Binay (@VPJojoBinay) August 14, 2014

2/6 He added that it does not automatically mean he will seek another term. I respect the statement of the President.

— Jejomar C. Binay (@VPJojoBinay) August 14, 2014

Binay said the government must keep its focus on improving the welfare of Filipinos for the remainder of the President's term and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with TV5, Aquino changed his position on Charter change, admitting that some of the Constitution's provisions may need to be updated.

When asked on whether he is open to amending the provision on the president's single, six-year term limit, Aquino said he would listen  to his "bosses" - the Filipino people.

"Nung pinasukan ko ito, ang tanda ko one term of six years...Ngayon, after having said that, syempre ang mga boss ko, kelangan kong pakinggan 'yon," he said.

But Aquino said this does not necessarily mean he would run for re-election in 2016.

"Hindi naman ibig sabihin...na automatic na hahabol pa ako na magkaroon pa ako ng dagdag dito, 'no?" Aquino said, adding that he wants to consult the people on how to ensure that the reforms he began will be sustained.

Amid an online clamor for Aquino's re-election, Interior and Local Government Secrteary Manuel Roxas II said in a television interview that the President deserves a second term.

In an interview with ANC's "Beyond Politics" last week, Roxas said nobody but the President can continue his "Daang Matuwid."

This prompted Binay to say that the proposal for Aquino's term extension was "selfish" and "motivated more by personal rather than national interest."

Binay and Roxas were opponents in the vice presidential race in 2010.

The former has not been silent on his intention to run for higher office in the next elections, while Roxas remains to be the presumptive standard bearer of the administration ticket.