Santiago down to one choice for VP

“Iron Lady of Asia” Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago (Photo courtesy of @SenMiriam on Twitter)

MANILA – Following the recent refusal of two of her bets with her as vice president in the 2016 elections, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is left with Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro.

Teodoro, who finished fourth behind then Sen. Benigno Aquino III, former President Joseph Estrada and former Sen. Manny Villar, during the 2010 elections, still has no comment on the invitation.

Santiago, on Wednesday said that she would want either former defense chief Teodoro, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte or Sen. Grace Poe to be her running mate in the 2016 elections.

However, Poe, noted that though she was flattered by the senator’s decision, she had no plans to run for a higher position.

Duterte, also refused the offer adding that he is already planning to retire after finishing his term.

“I am flattered and honored by the declaration of Senator Santiago but unfortunately I said I am not good for national office. Besides, I intend to retire after this term,” Duterte told reporters.

He also added that he is making a declaration of his plan to retire in order to end rumors about him running for in 2016.

“I am making that clear to everybody now so there would be no speculation,” Duterte said.

The mayor, who is also endorsing Teodoro for the position said he is encouraging the former Defense chief to accept Santiago’s offer.

“I am asking Gilbert Teodoro to accept,” Duterte said. “He is a man of integrity and competence. And he would make a good Vice President of this republic. I know him.”

He also added that he personally have a “debt of gratitude” from Teodoro.

“On a personal note, may utang na loob ako sa kanya (I owe him a debt of gratitude),” he said relaying how Teodoro has helped him in the past years.

“He would make a good President, by the way,” Duterte said.

“I will not be a party to any seizure of government,” Duterte said. “And I will not serve a government that is forced upon the people. That is crazy.”