Palace on Roxas: Let Aquino’s words speak for themselves
President Benigno Aquino III was all praises for Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II during his Independence Day speech but does that mean he is the “anointed one”?
“Let us let the President’s words speak for themselves,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over Radyo ng Bayan.
At the same time, she reminded the public that the President has promised to announce the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate after his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.
Valte, however, said that it is true that Aquino, who will step down as president in 2016, has mentioned those who he thinks will be able to continue his reform agenda.
“But knowing the President, because he is still undergoing consultations, the official endorsement will come at the end of July,” she said.
During the 117th Independence Day rites, Aquino said he could always count on the Secretary.
READ: Aquino close to endorsing Roxas as his anointed
“Whenever we task Mar Roxas to lead a project or program, you can expect that initiative will succeed,” he said.
Valte’s statement echoed that of Roxas who said on Friday, “Let’s make the President’s statement speak for itself.”
In the meantime, however, Aquino has been meeting with supposed presidential aspirants.
On Wednesday, he met with Senator Grace Poe, who has been ranking second in election polls. Aquino said they discussed his reforms and how they can be continued by his successor.
A day after that, the President said he will also meet with his friend Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
READ: Aquino says he’ll meet with Escudero next
Despite earlier reports that Roxas, an LP stalwart, is likely to be the administration party’s presidential candidate, Aquino has delayed announcing his decision. Critics said it might be because of Roxas’ lackluster performance in the election polls. He continues to trail behind Vice President Jejomar Binay and Poe.
READ: Grace Poe closes in on Jojo Binay in latest SWS presidential poll | Binay still leads Pulse Asia presidential poll; Duterte enters top 5
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