MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino would still have influence after stepping down from office if Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II wins.
Roxas said Aquino has been through a lot during his stint as president and one cannot just ignore the advice that he would give.
“His experience as a president is no qjoke,” Roxas told radio station dzBB on Friday.
“Why would we turn his back on him,” he added.
Roxas clarified though that he would still have the final say on things as president. He said Aquino could also be consulted on selecting Cabinet members.
Earlier, Aquino said he would retire from politics after his term ends on June 30, 2016. The president also maintained that he is not likely to seek a lower elective post.
Two of Aquino’s predecessors are still in government service and are occupying lower positions. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is now the representative of the second district of Pampanga while former president Joseph Estrada is now the mayor of Manila.
Meanwhile, Roxas said his vice presidential candidate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo would not be a mere spare tire if they both win in the elections.
“Leni Robredo will play a big role. I regard her as a full partner, not a spare tire,” Roxas said.
“She has the capabilities. She can contribute something and she will be an action person,” she added.
Roxas said Robredo had informed him that she does not want to do administrative work in case she becomes vice president.
“She (Robredo) told me, in case we win, she does not want to handle bureaucracy because she will spend all of her time signing papers,” he said.
When asked what would be the role of his wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez, if she becomes first lady, Roxas said: “As First Lady, her first duty is to love me.”
“Our relationship is important. I don’t view her as the number one broadcaster or the first lady. I view her as my love, my wife. If she has official duties, she will perform it,” he added.
Roxas said Sanchez would not meddle with government affairs but is free to pursue her advocacies.