Mar on running mate: Believer of ‘Daang Matuwid’

DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, the administration's standard-bearer is confident they could put up a strong ticket for 2016 elections.

Roxas arrived here Thursday and received a “presidential” welcome reception from the people as he headed to the Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center where he was the keynote speaker of the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon).

Roxas was elated with the support of Gov. Roberto Uy and his people but declined to comment on how the people received him. He said he would rather have the public judge the video footages taken by the media.

In an ambush interview, Roxas told newsmen that the administration only has six weeks to look for a running mate before the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).

Roxas said he is confident the daang matuwid or the straight path will create a strong ticket for 2016.

He did not comment when asked if it is time to let go of Sen. Grace Poe and consider another running mate.

The administration is still considering Poe as its possible vice presidential candidate in the 2016 elections. The senator however told Roxas he is free to consider other running mates.

Roxas said the daang matuwid is not about the administration.

“Daang matuwid is more than just a person, more than just me, it’s more than PNoy. It’s about each and every Filipinos,” Roxas said. “Ang ating pagpili sa ating magiging running mate, isa sa importanteng katangian ay ‘yong to the bones naniniwala at tatahak sa daang matuwid.”