Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas may be called the “aswang” who is thirsting to serve the people, a lawmaker said on Monday.
But unlike a blood-sucking aswang, Capiz district Representative Fredenil Castro associated Roxas with the mythical creature in their hometown that is thirsty for a chance to make the lives of the people better.
Castro made the remarks when he introduced Roxas to some 500 National Unity Party members who held a convention at Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
As Roxas stood behind the podium, he thanked Castro for a “very kind, gracious and enthusiastic” introduction and joked: “Alam mo Cong. Fred, hindi ko alam kung pag-akyat dito, gagamitin ko ang hagdanan o magle-levitate para mapatunayan ko na ako ang ‘Aswang ng Capiz.'”
Asked to comment on being called aswang, Roxas let out a laugh and told reporters: “It’s the truth na kilala yung mga [taga] Capiz na ‘aswang.’ I think you just have to look at it lightly.”
Before Roxas formally asked for the NUP’s support, he had met with the key officials and members of the party sometime in August to discuss with them his political platforms.
Roxas was the last to speak at the NUP convention, preceded by Vice President Jejomar Binay, his rival in the presidential race, and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who had earlier declared his intention to run for higher office in 2016.
Roxas is the administration’s presidential bet for the upcoming elections after President Aquino anointed the former Department of Interior and Local Government secretary as his successor. Julliane Love de Jesus