MANILA, Philippines—Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Dagupan-Lingayen said Saturday said the impending appointment of former Sen. Mar Roxas as presidential chief of staff was a way for President Benigno Aquino III to pay his political debts to his defeated running mate.
Cruz said it was Roxas’ decision to step aside and let Aquino become the standard bearer of the Liberal Party that helped propel the President to power.
“This is standard Philippine politics. The one who is elected must observe payback time when the calendar says so,” said Cruz. “In short, it would not be realistic to think that Malacañang would not put into authority and public office those whom it thinks it owes political favor. It’s payback time.”
Cruz said it would be a “big sign of ingratitude” if Aquino did not give Roxas a post after the one-year ban on appointing losing political candidates ended.
“Mar Roxas gave in to Aquino for the presidency. He slid to the vice presidential (race) and he lost. So, it would be a big sign of ingratitude if Aquino will not give an office to Mar Roxas and an office that will not only be sizeable in command but also in authority,” Cruz said.