With Duterte out, LP execs see support going for Roxas

DAVAO CITY—Without Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the presidential race, leaders of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) in Mindanao are seeing support for the feisty mayor going to their standard-bearer, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

But other officials in Mindanao don’t agree, saying it was early to say if Duterte’s support is even transferrable and, if so, to Roxas.

According to Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, many political leaders in Mindanao had been hoping Duterte would run, but without the mayor, they would support Roxas instead.

“Definitely they will go for Mar,” Mangudadatu said at a “Gathering of Friends” event here for Roxas.

“I know Mar is honorable and has the experience, which is why he is worthy of our support,” said Mangudadatu.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said she was sure that Roxas would get the backing of bulk of Duterte’s supporters.

Mendoza, however, expressed doubt that Duterte is not running.

“Let’s wait for the filing because Duterte still moves around despite the announcement. Is he being smart and clever? Is he teasing? I don’t know yet,” she said.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes said she was not sure, though, if Duterte’s decision was enough to make voters shift to Roxas.

Fuentes said she believed voters would go for “anybody that the people perceive to be strong in peace and order.”

Agusan del Sur Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. said he believed that whoever Duterte supports would get the nod of the mayor’s supporters.

“Duterte commands respect from millions across the archipelago,” Cane said.

Duterte, however, has not announced who to support, saying he will “cross the bridge when I get there.”

Former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol said he believed support for Duterte would transfer, however, to Vice President Jejomar Binay if Duterte, indeed, does not run.

He said Davao Oriental Gov. Cora Malanyaon would also support Binay because of Duterte’s decision not to run for President. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao