MANILA, Philippines—Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and former senator Joey Lina led the latest batch of Liberal Party recruits who took their oath Thursday before LP president and vice presidential candidate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II.
Panlilio, Lina, Misamis Oriental Mayor Ruthie Guingona, Pasay City Vice Mayor Antonio Calixto and former Laguna vice governor Edwin Olivares formally joined the LP in ceremonies at the party’s Cubao, Quezon City, headquarters.
Sen. Benigno Aquino III, the LP presidential standard-bearer, was also present.
Roxas said the LP has further strengthened its preparations for the 2010 elections in recruiting new members known for their clean record as elected public officials.
He said this proved the “continuing exodus” to the LP fold of proponents of the party’s good governance platform.
“This proves that the forces seeking faithful, clean and upright leadership is growing,” said Roxas.
Aquino asked the new LP members to join him and Roxas in fighting the Arroyo administration.
Lina served as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s interior secretary until his resignation in 2004. He also once served as governor of Laguna.
Panlilio is an active proponent of reforms and good governance as governor of Pampanga, Ms Arroyo’s home province.
Guingona is the wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who has led the opposition to Ms Arroyo, particularly after the “Hello Garci” wiretapping scandal of 2004.
Calixto has left the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
Olivares ran and lost in the gubernatorial race of Laguna in 2007, running under the United Opposition.
Last week, Pangasinan Rep. Victor Agbayani, North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Pińol Jr., Alaminos, Pangasinan Mayor Hernani Braganza and 125 local officials from different parts of the country took their oath as Liberals.
