Roxas won't hinder Binay getting Cabinet post

MANILA, Philippines - Can losing vice-presidential bet Mar Roxas hinder Vice-President elect Jejomar Binay's chances of getting a Cabinet position under the Aquino administration?

Not really, according to Liberal Party spokesman Florencio "Butch" Abad.

Abad, who helped Roxas with his vice-presidential bid in the early stages of the campaign, said he has yet to talk to the LP bet about the future members of the Aquino Cabinet.

Roxas, President-elect Benigno Aquino's running mate in the May 10 elections, lost to Binay by around 727,000 votes, one of the closest margins in election history.

Asked if Roxas would hinder Binay getting a Cabinet post, Abad said: "I don't think so if you mean he will hinder Binay getting any position. When Binay was proclaimed, he accepted that decision and that means he will also understand that the vice-president, traditionally, is given a position in the administration. I don't think it will be an issue with him although I haven't talked to him about it."

Abad said there are "sensitivities" about Roxas's role under the Aquino administration especially since the LP vice-presidential bet played a big part in helping Aquino win the presidency.

He added that he expects Aquino and Binay to sit down together and discuss the future of the nation, and what the vice-president's role will be under the new administration.

Binay earlier said he wanted the Department of the Interior and Local Government portfolio because of his long experience as Makati mayor. Aquino, however, said he is eyeing other people for the post.

Singer Jim Paredes, who is reportedly being considered for the post of Tourism Secretary, said Binay could also be appointed as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Source: ABS-CBN