ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Presidential aspirant Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II was upbeat as he and his party mates took the campaign swing in Western Mindanao Friday.
Roxas, accompanied by his running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and some senatorial aspirants barnstormed mostly the capital areas of Zamboanga peninsula.
Joining the LP stalwart and Robredo were reelectionists Senate President Franklin Drilon and Sen. Ralph Recto, together with senatorial aspirant Mark Lapid, who started the campaign trail in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Roxas and his entourage took a side trip to this city late Friday afternoon as he was invited to be the guest of honor for the 79th Dia de Zamboanga.
Roxas said they were warmly welcomed by supporters whom he thanked for their support of the “Daang Matuwid” or straight path programs.
“Napakasaya at napaka-matagumpay magmula Dipolog, Pagadian, Ipil at ngayon dito sa Zamboanga City,” Roxas told the press briefly.
He avoided issues involving his alleged failure to prove his capability as crisis manager when Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the country in November 2013, including the condition of the Zamboanga siege victims.
Roxas and his party immediately flew out Friday night of Zamboanga back to Manila.
Meanwhile, residents criticized reelectionist and LP local stalwart Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for taking advantage of the charter day event for partisan purposes.
Salazar, while calling to set aside politics, flaunted her candidates during the 79th Dia de Zamboanga, all wearing in yellow to welcome Roxas.
Some of the government employees, who were asked to wear their yellow uniforms, went home after waiting for several hours ahead of the arrival of Roxas.