LP to challenge Pineda, GMA in Pampanga

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – The Liberal Party (LP) will not allow local candidates here identified with the Arroyo administration to run unopposed in the 2013 polls.

LP-Pampanga chairman and former governor Ed Panlilio told The STAR negotiations are ongoing. He said they will come up with an announcement tomorrow.

Panlilio, however, refused to comment on reports that President Aquino asked him to run against Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, who is seeking reelection with her son Dennis as running mate under the new local party called Kambilan.

He said LP would “definitely” field candidates against Pineda and former president now second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Panlilio said the LP’s candidate against Arroyo, whom he did not identify, is expected to file his certificate of candidacy before the deadline.

He admitted the reluctance of some candidates to run against some incumbents, but assured the public that the President is determined to support candidates who would work with him toward the ”daang matuwid.”