Lacierda very presumptuous, arrogant; LP showing weakness—UNA spokesman

MANILA, Philippines—Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda should stop issuing personal statements on the possible coalition between the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and the Liberal Party, which is showing its weakness by recruiting bets from other parties, said UNA spokesman, laywer JV Bautista, early Wednesday in an interview with John Susi of Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.

Bautista said the coalition will pose a lot of problems because of the electoral protest of Transportation Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II against Vice President Jejomar Binay.  Roxas lost the vice presidency to Binay in the 2010 elections.

Bautista showed his irritation on Lacierda’s reaction when the UNA-LP coalition was suggested by San Juan City Representative JV Ejercito, who is an UNA member.

Bautista said it’s a personal sentiment expressed by Ejercito when he floated the idea of the possible coalition. “It’s not the position of UNA,” said Bautista.

Lacierda on Tuesday made a statement apparently surprised of the offer made by Ejercito, saying “We thought UNA was the team to beat. So why are they asking for a coalition?”

“We would like to correct the very presumptuous attitude of the Malacañang spokesperson. Ang dating po sa amin ay may pagka-arogante. Sa halip na baka naman matuwa ka. E hindi ganun eh. Ang lumalabas po eh parang hinahamak ang UNA. (It’s an arrogant reaction by the palace spokesperson. Instead of being glad about the offer, it’s like he’s mocking UNA),” said Bautista.

He said by trying to recruit candidates from the Nationalista Party, LP is showing its weakness.

“They can’t seem to complete their slate. It’s unusual for an administration party,” said Bautista.

At the end of the interview, Bautista said the LP-UNA coalition could only be possible if the initiative comes from President Benigno Aquino III himself.

For the meantime, he said Lacierda should stop issuing statements beyond his duty as spokesperson of the palace.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer.