He is very qualified to be President but he can continue to be of service to our countrymen in many other ways.

This was the declaration made by Jesse Andres, chief of staff of Vice President Manuel “Noli” De Castro, on the possibility of Noli becoming President should calls for President Arroyo to step down gain momentum.

The calls for President Arroyo to step down came after she formally filed her certificate of candidacy for the congressional seat in the 2nd district of Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Andres said that De Castro has not yet expressed support for any presidential candidate.

There were reports that De Castro would throw his support to Sen. Manuel Villar owing to the fact that their friendship started when they both won as senators in 2001.

They both belonged to the Wednesday club of senators, which included Joker Arroyo, Francis Pangilinan and former Senator Ralph Recto.

There were also reports that initial talks between Villar and de Castro were held, but these never took off after De Castro showed no particular interest in seeking another term.

Villar said De Castro did not signify his intention to seek for a public post.

De Castro was elected as Vice President in 2004. He is the first independent candidate to receive the highest number of votes in a Philippine senatorial election and the first elected independent Vice President of the Philippines, although he campaigned in both elections in an alliance that supported the Arroyo administration.