PNoy won't call for LP convention to select Mar's VP

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III will not call for a convention of the Liberal Party to choose the running mate of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

"Do we need a caucus to tell Mar who should be his running mate? Palagay ko hindi ganoon ang process," Aquino said in response to a question by the STAR during a media forum aired on state-run People's Television.

"He has the right to choose whom he thinks should be his partner," he added.

In the same media forum, Aquino said that they are not yet giving up on Sen. Grace Poe as the potential running mate of Roxas.

"We are hoping that there is less division among our forces allied in Daang Matuwid," the president said.

Apart from Poe, Aquino revealed that he is eyeing at least two other individuals who could run under the administration ticket.

Aquino refused to name the individuals.

"Hintayin na lang nating matapos ang process," he said.

Among those reportedly considered by the Liberal Party to be its vice presidential candidate is Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

Aquino said he will talk first with Robredo if Roxas decides to run with her.