MANILA, Philippines - While not confirming reports, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. appeared open to joining the Liberal Party (LP) to back the tandem of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Chanced upon at the House of Representatives to attend a youth art event Monday, Belmonte said he would “not yet” join LP.

Belmonte is currently the senior vice president for external affairs of the merged administration party Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats.

“Who said that?” he told reporters when asked to confirm reports he is joining the LP. When told that the reports have been going around, he said, “Not yet, not yet.”

“It could be Joy (Belmonte) who’s saying that. Siya ang may gusto, hindi ako (She wants to, not me),” the mayor said.

Pressed anew if he’s going to jump to LP, he said, “I can not say I will not. Hindi pa (Not yet).”

Joy Belmonte is the mayor’s daughter, who will run for vice mayor of the city next year. The younger Belmonte will be teamed up with Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, who will seek the mayoralty post.

Belmonte is reportedly eyeing a return to the House of Representatives.

Asked about Belmonte, Quezon Representative Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada III, LP spokesman, said there are talks with the mayor, but refused to give an update. He said Belmonte will be a major addition to the party.

Tanada also said that a Mindanao congressman and several local officials will take their oath as LP members Tuesday afternoon at the headquarters of Roxas in Cubao, Quezon City.