Ate Vi not interested in VP bid — Ralph Recto

Governor Vilma Santos-Recto at Danny Dolor’s “Alitaptap” Movie Posters Exhibit in Lipa City, Batangas (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA — Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto yesterday said that his wife, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto is not interested in running for vice president or any higher post.

The senator made the statement amid reports that his wife is running for vice president in next year’s polls.

“I don’t think Vi said there were feelers. She reacted to statements that there are people considering her to be their vice president. And she said thanks for considering her but she is not interested,” Recto said.

“She is not interested. She will only run for vice president if I were her president,” reacto added in jest, “That’s a joke.”

In a separate interview, Sen. Sergio Osmena III said that Santos-Recto is among the viable vice presidential candidates for the administration.

Osmena added that she has equal chances with Naga City Rep. Leni Robredo, the wife of the late interior secretary Jesse Robredo.

“Well, again there’s a plus or minus there. The VP does not bring votes to the president. As a matter of fact, the habit of Filipino voters is to split their votes,” he said.

“But you do need a credible vice-presidential candidate… as long as you have a credible candidate, that’s okay. They can pick any Cabinet member or congressman, although I think the strongest candidate will be either of the two ladies – Vilma Santos or Leni Robredo.”

“Leni is a very good sell. She’s got a wonderful image, she’s highly intelligent, she’s a lawyer. She has already three years of congresswoman but in all of those years she was the partner of Jesse Robredo, who was mayor of Naga City. And she’s a very beautiful and charming woman, so she’s an easy sell,” Osmeña added.