Mar to remain Liberal Party head

MANILA, Philippines –  The Liberal Party (LP) yesterday dispelled rumors that it is disintegrating because of infighting.

In a statement, the administration political party also said former senator Manuel Roxas II, now President Aquino’s “chief troubleshooter,” is expected to be re-elected as president of the party.

 The party celebrates its 65th anniversary this Wednesday at the Club Filipino, during which the draft of its senatorial slate for the 2013 midterm elections is also expected to be announced.

This year’s celebration has the theme “The Future is Now! Change is Now” to give credit to the party’s triumph in the May 2010 elections.

Roxas said the party remains united in support of the administration.

“The last election was tough. It compelled each member of the LP to grow, to fully understand the meaning of sacrifice, to put the country’s interests above personal ambitions,” he said.

“As party president, it was not easy to steer the party towards victory and indulge each and every member’s interests. But we have remained united. The Liberal Party remains solid in its continuing quest for growth and reforms for the Filipino people,” he added.

Before the campaign period, Roxas backtracked on his bid for the presidency, paving the way for Aquino as the party’s candidate for president.

Roxas then ran for vice president but lost to former Makati City mayor Jejomar Binay who was supported by Aquino’s allies within and outside of the party. Members of the party, however, support the reelection of Roxas as party president. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda earlier said Roxas continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of Aquino. House Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada said the party supports the leadership of Roxas.“No one is questioning the leadership of Mar,” he said.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has also thrown his support for the former senator.

“I am 100 percent for Mar’s reelection. In the difficult days when it was in the opposition and many had abandoned the LP, Mar kept it together. He should remain as president,” he said.

The LP apparently now has control of key posts in the government with Aquino at the helm and Belmonte in the House of Representatives.

 There are also speculations in the Senate that LP chairman Sen. Franklin Drilon is making an attempt to regain the Senate presidency.

Drilon however denied allegations of a so-called coup plot against Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

The National Executive Council of the LP would also meet on Wednesday and is expected to announce the party’s candidates for the midterm elections.

Floated as possible candidates are Lacierda, Presidential Communications Group Secretary Ricky Carandang, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, and Roxas.

While Roxas is not holding a position in the government at the moment because of the one-year ban on losing candidates to occupy appointive positions, he has been designated as chief troubleshooter by Aquino although the job description is not clear.