Palace defends Abaya, Roxas on ‘electioneering’ issue

Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Tuesday said Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Transportation Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya should be given the benefit of the doubt after being accused of early campaigning.

“It is perhaps just to give the involved officials the opportunity to explain themselves,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in Filipino in a press briefing.

The two Liberal Party (LP) officials and close allies of President Benigno Aquino III received flak for an alleged pre-election sortie in areas devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”

During the groundbreaking rites of an infrastructure project in Capiz, Abaya called the Interior Secretary “President Mar Roxas.” Abaya later said he was referring to Roxas as LP president. Roxas, who was the running mate of Aquino in 2010, is said to be LP’s presidential bet for the next elections.

“I am willing to take his word for it. I know him to be an honest and honorable person,” Coloma said, referring to Abaya.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

He also explained that Roxas is just doing his job as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) by restoring services in 171 local government units. Coloma said the government has allotted P4 billion for the immediate construction of municipal halls, markets and other local structures in typhoon-hit areas.

He said there was nothing unusual in Abaya, the acting LP president while Roxas is on leave, accompanying the Interior Secretary in such events.

“When it comes to their official conduct and demeanor, I think they and other Cabinet members know the guidelines on conduct and decorum in such events,” Coloma added.

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