MANILA — Queen of All media Kris Aquino for Vice President in 2016? A Catholic prelate said people who are close to the television host and movie actress should clarify the statement of sources that she will be joining the 2016 polls. “Formerly it was only in whispers now it has become more commonly said and heard that the youngest sister of the president of the republic will also run as vice- president of the republic come 2016,” said Lin­gayen-Dagupan Emeritus Archbishop Oscar Cruz. He added, “Those concerned better address this matter. If it’s 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.”

Cruz noted that the report came from very reliable sources from the administration, PNA’s Ferdinand G. Patinio reported. “Frankly I would not say it openly but the sources are credible… Admin … the thing is I say this as of today because tomorrow they might say no more,” he added. He said, “So I’m not saying that she will do it for 2016, I’m just saying that up to now, this is what is being said.”

The rumors, he said, started circulating three months ago. Cruz said he does not see anything wrong if the youngest sister of Presi­dent Benigno Aquino III decides to run for public offi ce three years from now. “No, it is okay be­cause it takes so little requirement to be a pub­lic offi cial in this coun­try. You are a Filipino citizen, you know how to read and write,” he added. He was also asked if the actress is capable or not, “I’m not saying she’s not capable. Sabi ko nga if she’s going to run let her run because it takes so little to qualify for public offi ce from the local to the national level.”

The movie actress, who recently announced that she is quitting her showbiz career as she intends to concentrate in taking care of her children. She also plans to take up law. Cruz noted that it would be an advantage for her, if she plans to pursue a political career in the future.

“If she will take courses that will better prepare her for public offi ce, especially in the national level, then that’s good. I have nothing against that,” the Catho­lic prelate said, adding that, “So that instead of just being Filipino citizen, knowing how to read and write, now if she were a lawyer or even before she passes law, which is three years from now, at least she will have law subjects that she would know. That would help her.”

However, Cruz said Aquino has a big chance if she decided to run. “Yes, yes. Because she’s an actress and the Filipino electorate in general likes actors and actresses. Like Lito Lapid,” he said. Lapid, a former action star, is now on his second term as a senator of the country.

Cruz also recalled a statement of Kris, at the last day of the wake of his mother, former Presi­dent Corazon Aquino at the Manila Cathedral, “Noy, tayo na lang da­lawa natitira. Paano ito tayo na lang dalawa ang natitira.” He said he remem­bered that very clearly because she is crying at that time. “So, when I heard this and I remember that moment, mukhang may laman,” Cruz said.

It was earlier re­ported that Kris would either run for senator or governor of Tarlac to follow the footsteps of her late father, Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr., who became mayor and governor of his home province.