Aquino: I understand LP members jumping ship

President Benigno Aquino III smiles during his exclusive interview with the Inquirer at Malacañang on May 6. INQUIRER PHOTO

TARLAC CITY—No hard feelings? President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said he understood the decision of many of his party mates to leave the Liberal Party and join the incoming administration’s coalition.

“Naiintindihan natin yun … bawat kinatawan syempre kumakatawan ka sa isang distrito at kailangan pangalagaan mo ang interes ng iyong sinasakupan,” he explained during an ambush interview in this city.

(We understand that … Of course, every congressman represents his district and needs to take care of the interests of their constituents.)

Mr. Aquino said many of them might be thinking that they would be able to do that by joining the party of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: Juicy posts for LP turncoats

Nevertheless, he said there were many remaining LP members and others planning to return.

Mr. Aquino pointed out that the LP, at one time, had small numbers. The late Joker Arroyo used to say that they could all fit in a Volkswagen car.

When Mr. Aquino became President, his party gained more members and allies.

“Pero di kami namilit sumali sa amin yung ibang mga kampo,” the President said.

(But we didn’t force the other camps to join us.)

He said that during his six years in office, he had helped local officials who were with other parties.

Mr. Aquino said he did not look at political color and that was why many officials thanked him for helping them despite not supporting him in the 2010 elections.

Earlier reports said 80 of the 116 elected LP representatives had decided to join Duterte’s Coalition for Change. RC/rga

READ: 80 LP members hop on Rody bandwagon