Mar Roxas now talking to other possible running mates

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Manuel "Mar" Roxas II won’t directly say that he’s given up on Sen. Grace Poe.

But he admitted in an interview on Tuesday (September 15), he has begun talking to other officials who could be his running mate in 2016.

“Well I mean itong mga pangalan na ito ay hindi naman bago sa inyo. Yung kay Gov. Vilma Santos [Recto], saka kay Sen. Ralph [Recto], kay Sen. Alan [Peter] Cayetano, saka kay Cong. Leni [Robredo]—lahat naman ito ay nakakausap na,” Roxas told reporters.

But he’s mum on details — he won’t say when he started talking to them and what they’ve discussed so far.

“Siguro, amin na lang muna ‘yun at malalaman at malalaman din ‘yan,” Roxas said.

Watch: The search for Roxas' running mate

LP has been courting Poe for a while now – and they’re likely getting an answer soon from the senator.

Roxas said he has no plans to reach out to Poe for one last time before she announces her decision.

It appears they’ve done enough pursuing.

Also read: LP stalwarts want Roxas to drop Poe as VP

“Kung anuman ang kanyang napagpasyahan at desisyon na ia-anunsyo bukas ay re-respetuhin natin. Kung ayaw na niya sa 'Daang Matuwid' ay nasa sakanya naman po 'yun,” Roxas said.

Roxas also had something to say about another perceived opponent in the 2016 polls—Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay who has recently been coming out with criticisms against him.

“Alam niyo kung nalulubog ka na sa mga isyu na hindi mo naman nasasagot ay mananapon ka nalang or you will just grab at anything,” Roxas said.

Also read: Cardinal Tagle tells Poe, Binay, Roxas: 'Raise the bar in campaigning'

Roxas visited a couple of schools to celebrate Teacher’s Month. He even taught social studies to a group of fifth grade students.

Now he goes around as LP’s bet—no longer as a sitting government official. This makes his activities more prone to being politicized.

One of his school visits, for instance, turned out to be an endorsement ceremony for him. Party list group 'A Teacher' announced it is supporting Roxas’ bid for the presidency.