By Ernie Esconde
Manila Times/Subic Bay

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr has claimed that the announcement of Sen. Grace Poe to run for the presidency did not surprise him.
“As early as last week, it was clear that she’s running for president,” Marcos said.
He noted that the political terrain has become more clear.“(Poe’s) declaration will help other candidates decide what they will do. We will also be forced to decide,” the Ilocano lawmaker said.
When asked when he will announce his candidacy, Marcos said he has no date yet.“We will announce it once I have a date, a decision. I will make it known not only to the media but the whole country,” he added.
Marcos said his decision to run and be paired with Vice President Jejomar Binay will not be based on percentage.
“Making a decision should not be based on percentages. If you want to run, go run. If the imponderable variables are all right and clear, the clearer will be my decision,” he added.
Marcos said the Nacionalista Party to which he belongs has not yet decided on whom to support for president.“Without a doubt, the NP will be involved in the 2016 elections. If the party has no candidate for president, it will look for somebody to support if the situation gets clearer,” he added.
Marcos said members of the NP recently met and saw many political alliances and developments as the date of filing of certificates of candidacy in October nears.“The NP is still in consultation with different groups and will choose the best programmes it will support,” he added.