Aquino pops up at LP ‘show of force’ for Roxas

Photo from Mar Roxas Facebook page

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday suddenly appeared at a luncheon held by Liberal Party (LP) for its standard-bearer Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

While the event was not included in his official schedule, Aquino showed up at Gloria Maris in Greenhills where a large number of LP stalwarts and supporters met to “show support” for Roxas.

At the event, Aquino said he was ready to retire at 56 years old.

“Talagang magaan sa konsensya kong pwede nang magretiro at pumapel na dakilang alalay ng lahat,” Aquino said at the lunch meeting organized by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) held in Gloria Maris, Greenhills.

READ: Aquino: I can retire now

Roxas, in his speech, said that while some people say he is a snob, that is not the case in real life. He said the Filipino people will get to know him in the coming months.

He also revealed that he felt more comfortable running for president this time around than in 2010 when he was more interested in fulfilling his personal ambitions.

“Di hamak na mas matibay ang kumpyansa ko ngayon,” he said. “Hindi na ito tungkol sa akin. Tungkol ito sa isang misyon, misyon naming lahat.”

“I have absolutely no doubt this is a fight worth fighting,” Roxas said. “Ibubuhos ko na ang lahat para sa daang matuwid. Wala akong ititira para sa sarili ko.”

ULAP national president Governor Alfonso Umali said more than 2,000 people were estimated to have attended the event.

Among those spotted at the event were Batangas Governor Vilma Santos and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, both among those supposedly being considered as Roxas’ running mate.

However, during an ambush interview, Robredo said she has not been offered the position. She added that she is more interested in running for the Senate, depending on the results of electoral surveys.

Others present were Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Siquijor Vice Governor Dingdong Avanzado and his wife, singer Jessa Zaragoza, and artist Noel Cabangon. A number of local government officials and congressmen were also in attendance.

Roxas was endorsed by Aquino on Friday as the presidential bet of the ruling LP.

Just before they gave their speeches, Roxas and Aquino, as well as other personalities, joined Cabangon on stage to sing “Ako’y Isang Mabuting Pilipino.”

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