Palace: PNoy can juggle president's job, Roxas campaign

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III can still function as chief executive while helping in the campaign of his presidential bet, Malacañang said Thursday.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing that the president will continue performing his mandate in his final eight months in office.

"Sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay naging tapat ang ating Pangulo sa pagtupad ng kanyang mandato o mga ipinangako sa ating mga boss. Batid niya ang mabigat na responsibilidad na kanyang pinapasan," Coloma said when asked how Aquino's role in the Liberal Party campaign will affect his job.

"Batid niya ang mabigat na responsibilidad na kanyang pinapasan at determinado siya na gawin ang lahat ng tama, nararapat, naaayon sa batas para mapabuti ang kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan," Coloma added.

During the Liberal Party (LP) convention on Wednesday, Aquino said he will go all-out for Roxas as he expects a difficult campaign period ahead.

"Mga ilang beses ko na rin ho nasabi sa mga nakalipas na araw, palagay ko 'yung darating na kampanya ang magiging pinakamahirap na kampanya para sa akin dahil ibubuhos ko na lahat ng maibubuhos ko tungo sa kampanyang ito," he said.

LP leaders formally nominated Roxas as their standard-bearer on Wednesday and authorized him to select a vice presidential candidate and 12 senatorial bets.

Aquino and Roxas continue to await the acceptance of Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo to be the LP's vice presidential bet.

The LP will officially announce all of its national candidates including its senatorial line-up on October 5.