MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) member Senate President Franklin Drilon is not in favor of adopting a standard-bearer for the 2016 elections.
"I am a partyman, and I would prefer a party-member. We do not lack talents in our party," Drilon told media on Wednesday.
Drilon's statement followed President Aquino's revelation that the LP has started its consensus-building processes on its possible presidential candidate.
The Senate leader, however, said he has yet to talk to the President regarding the matter.
"The President I'm sure is very busy and I can't speak for the others, but I haven't had the chance to have consultations with the President on the specific issues," he said.
Drilon said he would support Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II if he declares his presidential ambition for 2016.
Roxas initially wanted to run for president in the 2010 polls, but he gave way to then Sen. Aquino, who was urged by some sectors to seek the presidency following his mother's death.
Roxas lost to Vice President Jejomar Binay, who reportedly claimed earlier this year that the LP was considering to adopt him as standard-bearer.
Poe-Escudero in 2016?
Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Escudero, one of the names being floated for the next polls along with Sen. Grace Poe, denied receiving initial offers from the LP.
Escudero said he is leaving it up to Aquino to decide whether or not the LP should adopt candidates.
He added that it is still premature for him to speak about 2016 since he is not even sure that he is running for a higher position.
"Pwede ba bago pag-usapan yung pagtakbo, paglalakad na muna, nandoon muna ko sa lakad, wala sa takbo... Papunta sa altar, hindi papunta sa balota," Escudero said, referring to his upcoming wedding with actress Heart Evangelista.
The senator also refused to comment when asked if LP's possible coalition with other parties is an indication that it is a weak party.
"The mere fact that the administration party entered into a coalition with other parties goes to show that as much as possible the administration wants a wider acceptability and a wider or broader coalition to implement its major reforms, plans and programs," he said.
Escudero and Poe ran and won in the 2013 senatorial elections under an administration-backed coalition.