Miriam wants Duterte as her VP in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - If she would seek the presidency in 2016, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte to be her running mate.

At a televised press briefing on Wednesday, Santiago said Duterte would be an excellent vice president.

"I would love to run with [Rody] Duterte whom I have always loved from the very beginning," Santiago said.

But the senator noted that Duterte has not expressed his interest to seek a higher position.

"I am considering [Rody] Duterte in my opium dreams," she said.

Besides Duterte, Santiago said she would also consider running with former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who lost in the 2010 presidential polls.

Santiago would also want Sen. Grace Poe to be her vice president.

"Maybe we can have two women running together, president and vice president? How about that, ladies?" Santiago asked.

"Maybe it's Miriam and Grace? It just sounds like a restaurant," Santiago said with a laugh.

"Miriam-Grace sounds so charming," she added.

Santiago reiterated that seeking the presidency in 2016 is among her career options since she can no longer run for reelection at the Senate.

The senator, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, said she will not pursue this plan if she does not fully recover by the end of this year.