Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz wants to confirm the rumor that Kris Aquino is planning to run for vice president in the 2016 elections following her resignation from showbiz.

The Archbishop says he can recall the TV host-actress remarking to her brother, President Benigno Aquino III, that they are the last two Aquinos to remain in the public eye during the requiem mass held in 2009 for their mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

“Kris said, ‘Noy, only the two of us remain.’ I remember that very, very well. ‘What will happen now that only the two of us remain?’ he was quoted as saying in an article on Inquirer.net. “Now when I hear this [rumor of her plan to run for vice president]… it seems [her statement] was loaded.”

The former leader of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan also said that he first heard of the rumors of Kris’s political plans three months ago from “credible sources within the administration.” He is now appealing to Kris’s camp to address the issue.

“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,” he said. “Those concerned better address this matter. If it is not true, then they should say it so that it will stop once and for all. If there is silence, that means there is consent.”

However, Cruz says that he doesn’t see anything wrong with Kris running for public office, as he points out that candidates need only be Filipino citizens who can read and write to qualify. However, he is concerned about how the move will reflect on the Philippine society’s campaign against political dynasties.

“The dynasty issue will be more affirmed. Will we ever change?” Cruz lamented.

“I’m just saying that up to now, this is what is being said. My friends tell me this and I just listen. So what I’m now saying is, whether it is true or not, (Kris’s camp should) say it as it is,” he said. “If up to now this is not stopped… it might be interpreted as in aid of (her) election. And that’s not fair.”

“As I said, the earlier you clarify this, the better.”

(Photo courtesy of PEP.ph)