It's final: Ate Vi won't run for VP
BATANGAS CITY – Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto on Wednesday said she will seek re-election along with vice-governor Jose Antonio “Mark” Leviste II in the coming 2010 local elections, dousing rumors that she would be fielded as the administration party's vice-presidential candidate.
“Our tandem is final. Mark will be my vice-governor. We want to be given another chance to serve Batangas," Santos-Recto told reporters.
Leviste was the running mate of former Batangas governor Armand Sanchez in 2007. There are reports that Sanchez is gearing for the governorship again and will run in tandem with Santos-Recto’s former running mate, Edwin Ermita.
Santos-Recto, a Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats party member, said it was Leviste’s leadership that made it possible for her to gain the support of the provincial board, which paved the way for more projects in the province.
“Kapag iisa ang vision mo with your vice-governor, mas madali ang pag-dedeliver ng services sa iyong mga constituents,” she added.
The Batangas governor, who is also a multi-awarded actress, said she will not run as vice-president after reportedly being wooed to be the running mate of presidential candidates Sen. Manny Villar and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
“My focus is in Batangas. My mind has been set to continue serving my kababayans. I know how to handle the problems in Batangas and definitely I know how to solve it,” Santos-Recto said.
“Ayaw ko namang maging vice president dahil lang sa pangalan ko, dahil sa sikat ako. Gusto ko naman pag sasabak ako sa isang giyera nakahanda ako at maraming nalalaman,” she said.
[I don't want to be vice-president because of my name, because I'm famous. If I'm going into war, I want to be prepared and know a lot.]
Leviste, for his part, said he was honored to be chosen as the governor's running mate.
Joining Noynoy’s party?
The governor, meanwhile, said politicians are now on a “wait-and-see” situation regarding possible defections from Lakas-Kampi-CMD to the Liberal Party of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Santos-Recto did not discount the possibility that she would join the Liberal Party but noted that transferring to another political party would not be easy.
“Malaking usapin yan. Hindi ganon kadali pero kung ano man ang sentiments ng nakakarami at naiintidihan ko kung ano ang kanilang rason, definitely doon ako,” she explained
[That is a big deal. It's not that easy but whatever the sentiments of the majority and if I understand their reasons for it, that's where I will go.]
A November 2-3 local survey commissioned by Leviste earlier showed Aquino leading other presidential contenders among Batangas voters.
Of the 1,800 respondents surveyed, 47 percent said they would vote for Aquino, 13 percent chose Villar, another 13 percent chose Sen. Francis Escudero, eight percent chose former president Joseph Estrada, two percent chose Teodoro and 17 percent were undecided.
Santos-Recto first entered politics in 1998 by running and winning the mayoral seat of Lipa City, Batangas. She won by landslide victories in three consecutive elections.
After serving Lipa City for 9 years, Santos-Recto toppled Sanchez in the 2007 gubernatorial elections in Batangas.
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I am so elated to learn of
I am so elated to learn of Vi's and Raffy's joining the LP. I already knew this even before the announcement knowing them to be a couple of high principles and dignity. Anybody who joins the LP are tired of the corruption and grandstanding of the TRAPOS. As in 1986 when I already surrendered my life in the name of justice - I will do the same this time. I will be supplying "yellow" bands to LP's volunteers.
If she really is a good public servant...
If she really is a good public servant then she should not be making movies, commercials and appearing on TV shows because being a public servant like her is prohibited by law from practicing another occupation. A government position is a full-time job. I'm glad she is not running for higher office. I enjoy her movies, but she is breaking the law by appearing on screen. If she really is a good public servant, then she should take the lead and be a good example to everyone.
Go ate!
I admire Ate Vilma for his intelligence and perseverance as Gov of Batangas. She can be effective if she joins LP of Noy and Mar but what will happen to her district? Who will lead them if she will focus on the whole country instead of a single area?
HAY NAKU!!! PILIPINAS GAYme KA NA BA
IF MANZANO BECOME SENATOR,More smuggling of pirated CD.GOOD FOR MUSIC AND FILMS INDUSTRIES.I think RICKY REYES is better than him as senator.hay naku!!!!
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I super L-I-K-E Gov. Vilma. She's an example of a not power-greedy person. I hope that other politicians be like her also. I mean, she's not only speaking for herself but also for her people.
In a politician's world, we may say that not everything is FINAL. However, I think Gov. Vilma is sincere to her words.
Another thing, she does not need to join any party list just to win this coming election. Being herself is what people want. If ever she'll join one, she must choose a political party that has the same vision as hers, and that she believes in it. :D
I admire gov. Vilma Santos
I admire gov. Vilma Santos for having a wise decision, and I will admire her more if she will join the LP team with Noynoy-Mar. The leadership of the two will bring a good example in dismantling corruption inside malacañang.
Taga sa Panahon - Nagpapahinog
That is maturity, she knows herself well and she doesn't like to pressure herself to handle a bigger responsibility in this time she is not that ready for that. This is a true public servant, not because of ambition, which probabaly a sure VP winner, but it will take some time for that. In tagalog, nagpapahinog, kung sa kawayan kapag taga na sa panahon. This is very nice decision in her behalf, but joining LP will be a bad thing, because unlike her, noynoy forced to run eventhough just pressured and not yet ripe to handle the highest position. Moreover, vilma doesn't need to go to a famous political party of noynoy but she must choose a political party that has really a good flatform and right candidates.
good call
i commend ate vi for making true to her words. after all, vi is vi, she's not loren. but then, again, nothing's final in a politician's word. anytime, anywhere, anything can happen in politics. but her decision not to run as VP of gibo is a good call. she doesn't want the administration to use her just to boost the popularity rating of gibo. her decision would be better if she would join LP.