Mar Roxas: I could be top presidential contender

Video by Ryan Leagogo

CAMP OLIVAS, San Fernando—Until now, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas remains mum on his plans for the upcoming elections. But with all the talk about his possible run for higher office, Roxas is starting to think he is the strongest contender for presidency in 2016.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

“Darating at darating din tayo dyan. Natutuwa nga ako na napakarami ang interesado sa anong ikikilos ni Mar at siguro ibig sabihin ako talaga ang pinakamatibay na kandidato dahil lahat sila ay komentaryo tungkol sa akin o sa gawain ko (We will reach that point. I am glad many are interested in the actions of Mar which could mean I am the strongest contender. All of them say something about me or what I do),” Roxas said on Wednesday when asked about his political plans next year.

He then boasted of his previous projects when he was head of the Department of Trade and Industry and the disaster-preparedness campaign he initiated as the Department of Interior and Local Government secretary.

On Wednesday, Roxas, along with local officials of Pampanga, led the turnover of 18 patrol vehicles to the Central Luzon police at Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Even without the President’s formal endorsement of his friend’s candidacy, Roxas has been touted the presumptive standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party. But because of his poor showing in the polls, talks are rife LP is considering Sen. Grace Poe to become its presidential candidate in 2016.

In an ambush interview, the secretary said he had been continuously meeting with President Benigno Aquino III to discuss the elections.

Roxas, however, skirted the question about the details of the meeting but said the primary objective of their discussion was to find ways to continue the “daang matuwid” (straight path) governance after Aquino’s term.

“The issue with the upcoming elections is can we continue treading the straight path or where does the country go to next? We all believe it should be brought to a good, decent, transparent and honest governance,” he said. RC