Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya
MANILA, Philippines — Majority members of the administration’s Liberal Party (LP) are “dead set” to have Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as its standard-bearer in 2016, a ranking official said on Tuesday.
While President Benigno Aquino III, chairman of the party, was mum over his choice to be his successor, acting LP president and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya did not mince words when asked if Roxas was still LP’s choice for president.
“Definitely,” Abaya said when asked if the majority members of LP are still pushing for Roxas.
And when asked why Aquino himself could not say if Roxas would be the party’s choice, Abaya said there is the right time to make such announcement lest they be accused of politicking.
Aside from Roxas, Abaya said, LP is neither considering other alternatives nor adopting a non-party member.
“No, honestly we don’t even talk about it. We’re just dead set that Secretary Mar will be our flag-bearer. No alternatives or anything, no. We’re just busy trying to fix airports and trains.”
Asked if the President himself is being considered to run again for the highest post, Abaya said in jest: “No, I think he keeps that to himself. I’m not privy to that.”
While they preferred Roxas to be the party’s standard-bearer, Abaya pointed out there is still a selection process lest they be accused again of dictating on their partymates.
Asked again when the party finds it right to announce its official bet for 2016, the transportation chief said in jest: “When we fix up the airports, fix up the rails, fix up the ports.”
But what if he fails to solve the transportation problems in the country, Abaya said: “Then it will just be divine intervention…”
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