Abaya says LP will support Aquino’s ‘anointed one’

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya (left) tries the hybrid electric road train of the Department of Science and Technology with Science Secretary Mario Montejo (middle) and Senator Cynthia Villar (right).

A Liberal Party stalwart on Tuesday said the ruling party would support whomever President Benigno Aquino III would endorse as his successor in 2016.

“Most likely. Almost 100 percent yan ang mangyayari,” Liberal Party President and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya said.

Abaya was in Pasay City on Tuesday afternoon to try the hybrid electric road train of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The official said he doesn’t want to pre-empt the announcement of Aquino on his “anointed one.”

“Di natin pwede pangunahan ang pangulo. We have yet to get a date from him (regarding his announcement),” he said.

READ: Abaya: Aquino praises for Roxas in Sona not an endorsement

Abaya admitted that Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II “is the most qualified” to run as president in 2016 given his “integrity, honesty and track record.”

“He is in the best position to continue Aquino’s straight path,” he said.

During his last State of the Nation Address (Sona), Aquino commended the work of Roxas at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Referring to Roxas, Aquino said “You cannot put a good man down.”

READ: Aquino hints at Roxas anointment in last Sona
Reacting to the president’s statement, Roxas said he is ready to continue the “daang matuwid” of the Aquino administration.

“If the President will pass the ball on me, I will not only dribble it, I will dunk it,” Roxas told reporters after Aquino’s Sona at the House of Representatives.

Aquino earlier said he would announce his “anointed one” days after his Sona.