Lacierda told: Stop speaking for Roxas

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda was urged yesterday to stop speaking for Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II.

He is the mouthpiece of the President and he is paid by taxpayers, Abakada Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz told reporters.

Lacierda could be accused of misusing taxpayers’ money if he continues defending Roxas, De la Cruz said.

“In some cases, Lacierda is not doing his candidate any good because his statements are being used against Roxas,” he said. “That makes me wonder whether he is working for Mar Roxas or Sen. Grace Poe or Vice President (Jejomar) Binay.” 

Other Malacañang and administration officials must also stop speaking for Roxas, De la Cruz said.

Sen. Francis Escudero, Poe’s vice presidential running mate, has made a similar appeal to Lacierda and other Palace spokesmen.

He reminded them that they are still getting their salaries from the government.

However, Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, president of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said he does not think that Lacierda, Presidential Communications Operations Office chief Herminio Coloma Jr. or other Palace officials “have crossed the line.”

He trusts that these officials know if they are speaking for the President or Roxas, Aquino’s preferred successor, he added.