LP defends Mar's meeting with new Comelec chief

MANILA, Philippines - The Liberal Party (LP) denied yesterday that former senator Manuel Roxas II had met with new Commission on Elections Chairman (Comelec) Sixto Brillantes to discuss the 2016 elections.

In a statement, the LP said Roxas, the party president, was only voicing the party’s concerns regarding fairness and other questions on Brillantes’ background as an election lawyer.

“As we all know his term will end in February 2015, one year before the next presidential elections,” the LP said.

The LP said it has legitimate and natural interests on whoever would become Comelec chairman. “This person becomes the chief referee of all elections which is the bedrock of our democracy,” the LP said.

“The LP has always stood for clean and honest elections. As LP president, it is Senator Roxas’ duty to voice the views of the party.

“The nominee, Attorney Brillantes is on record as being the chief legal counsel for the NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition), an active political party.

“Moreover, in the course of his practice, Attorney Brillantes has represented interests on one side of a dispute or another.

“In view of this it was but natural for our party through our president, Senator Roxas, to express our concerns regarding fairness, impartiality and perceptions.”