CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II said he is not about to declare his plans in 2016, but Liberal Party (LP) stalwarts are saying he remains their “sentimental choice” in the presidential polls.
In a speech during a forum of the League of Mayors of the Philippines (LMP) from Mindanao held here, Roxas focused on promises to deliver patrol cars and fire trucks to towns and cities all over the country.
Asked in an interview when he would announce his plans for the 2016 presidential elections, Roxas said he is not declaring his presidential candidacy.
“I am focused on my work. Everything I am doing here has to do with disaster preparedness, national security and governance, we are focusing on these things right now,” he added.
But recently, Secretary Florencio Abad said Roxas is still the LP’s “sentimental choice” for the 2016 presidential elections.
Abad noted that the only reason why Roxas would not be LP’s standard-bearer in 2016 is if he would not accept a nomination from President Aquino.
Abad explained that aside from the fact that Roxas withdrew from the 2010 presidential race to give way to then Sen. Benigno Aquino III, LP considers him as someone competitive for the position.
“He is the sentimental choice of the LP right now, not just because he gave up in 2010 to give way, we see him as (someone) competent, a person of integrity, which may well be the main issue in 2016. As it was in 2010, he has quite a number of upsides going for him,” Abad added.
Abad, however, clarified that the process of choosing candidates has not yet started for the administration party.
“The process for choosing a candidate has not started. If you recall, then Senator Aquino had eight months when he declared himself available to run for president. It’s hard to say, especially when you’re talking about presidential elections,” Abad explained.
Mindanao mayors support Roxas
But the LMP-Mindanao cluster already issued a “resolution of support for and encouragement on the leadership” of Roxas.
The LMP-Mindanao resolution said Roxas is “a friend and ally of local governments” and praised him for being“a man of honor, integrity and unsullied reputation.”
They lauded Roxas as a “leader of remarkable competence who is experienced in executive management and public administration and accepts responsibility for his actions and decisions based on righteousness.”
The LMP-Mindanao also urged Roxas “to continue upholding the cause of good governance.”
Erap: Roxas not behind ‘Stop Nognog’
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and his son Sen. JV Ejercito expressed belief that Roxas is incapable of initiating “Oplan Stop Nognog,” an alleged plot to block Vice President Jejomar Binay’s presidential bid.
Earlier, Binay said Roxas was among the masterminds of Oplan Stop Nognog.
JV Bautista, secretary general of United Nationalists Alliance, claimed that UNA learned that Roxas was linked to the series of investigations into Binay’s alleged hidden wealth and involvement in the overpricing of Makati City parking building. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe