MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Political Adviser Ronald Llamas yesterday clarified news reports that Cebu was being considered as a ”free zone” by the administration coalition, saying President Aquino will support all Liberal Party (LP) candidates in the province.
Earlier reports quoted Llamas as saying that the LP had a “problem” with Cebu because its gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide III would be pitted against Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who would be running under the National Unity Party (NUP), which is part of the administration coalition.
Garcia said the free zone extends to NUP candidates and is applicable to One Cebu/NUP.
But Llamas said the President would openly support all LP candidates in the province of Cebu from governor up to the last councilor. “I never said that Cebu is a free zone,” he added.
LP president and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the President would also campaign for all their candidates in Cebu.