Aquino’s sister Kris ‘may run for vice president in 2016’

Kristina Aquino: eyeing vice president’s job?

By Johanna M Sampan & Llanesca T Panti/Manila Times

President Benigno Aquino’s youngest sister, Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino, has set her eyes on the second highest position in the land in 2016.

According to Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz, former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP),  this information was confirmed by credible sources from within the present administration.

“Formerly, it was only in whispers. Now, it has become more commonly heard that the youngest sister of the president of the Republic will also run as vice president (VP) of the Republic come 2016,” Cruz said.

He revealed that the rumour started circulating three months ago and had recently been reiterated by his sources from the administration.

“I’m not saying that she will do it in 2016. I’m just saying that, up to now, this is what is being said,” the retired prelate said.

When asked if the movie and television actress has a strong chance of succeeding Vice President Jejomar Binay, Cruz answered in the affirmative.

“She’s an actress and the Filipino electorate, in general, likes actors and actresses. Like Sen Lito Lapid…if she’s going to run, let her run because it takes so little to qualify for public office from the local to the national level,” he said.

Cruz called on Aquino and her allies to address the issue squarely to “appease” the public.

“Those concerned better address this matter. If it is not true, then they should say it, so that it will stop once and for all. But if there is silence, that means there is consent,” he noted. When asked if it’s good for the country to have another Aquino in public office, Cruz answered: “Then the (political) dynasty issue will be more affirmed.”

Previously, the young Aquino dropped hints that if ever she would decide to enter politics, it will be within the bounds of her home province.

Talk about the younger Aquino’s supposed plan to run for the vice president’s post were rife as early as a year ago, but the ruling Liberal Party is not taking it into consideration, a party insider said.

The source, who is a personal friend of the president for more than a decade, made the disclosure in the light of Cruz’s revelation.

“There have been talks in the Palace about her running for VP around a year ago, but all of those were just talks,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Rep Romero Quimbo of Marikina City, Team PNoy spokesman, confirmed the ruling party’s nonchalance in Kris’ political plans.

“That is news to me. I’ve always sat in major party meetings. That has never been discussed,” Quimbo, who also serves as the house deputy majority leader, said in a text message to Manila Times.

Another Liberal Party member, Rep. Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao province, corroborated Quimbo’s claims.

“There is no top level LP agreement about LP candidates for 2016 thus far and I don’t think the president would endorse an immediate relative for Vice President. It is not ethical and outside the bounds of his straight path platform,” Baguilat, chairman of the House Committee on National Cultural Communities, pointed out.

The ruling party is chaired by President Aquino, while its acting president is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Last month, Kris filed a temporary protection order against her ex-husband, cager James Yap, whom she had accused of making sexual advances in her home and of inflicting psychological damage to their only son, James Jr or “Bimby.”

A Makati court granted the protection order to Aquino and her son for 30 days but her lawyers wanted the order to be made permanent.

The order prohibits James Sr from approaching Kris and Bimby at any given time during the duration of the order.

Aquino and Yap’s marriage was annulled in 2012 although Yap was given twice-a-week visitation rights.

The couple’s relationship soured after Hope Centeno, a receptionist at the Belo Medical Clinic frequented by the couple, admitted to having a sexual affair with Yap.

The president’s sister has had similar failed relationships with actors Philip Salvador, with whom she bore a child, Joshua; and Joey Marquez.