LP to announce Roxas’ VP, senatorial slate on Sept. 30–Drilon

Senate President and Liberal Party vice chair Franklin Drilon says the party will reveal on Wednesday the running mate of its standard-bearer Mar Roxas as well as its senatorial lineup for the 2016 elections. INQUIRER PHOTO

Liberal Party (LP) will disclose on Wednesday, Sept. 30, the running mate of its standard-bearer Mar Roxas and its senatorial lineup in 2016, according to Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Drilon, vice chair of LP, said the party would first hold a convention before making the announcement.

“That’s our agreement. On Sept. 30, we will formally nominate Secretary Mar Roxas’ vice presidential candidate and the senators,” he said in an interview in Dumaguete City on Friday.

He said talks between Roxas and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo were ongoing and the decision would be known on Wednesday.

“From what I know, Secretary Mar and President Aquino have been discussing Congresswoman Leni Robredo (for the vice president post),” said the Senate leader.

Drilon said Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano was also among those being considered for Roxas’ running mate.

As for its senatorial lineup, LP has about 15 names in the shortlist, according to Drilon, who is seeking reelection. “I assume I will be in that list,” he said.

He said the list would also include incumbent LP Senators Ralph Recto and Teofistino Guingona, former Sen. Francis Pangilinan, also an LP member, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

“Iyan po ang ilan sa aming pinag-uusapan na kasama sa slate at patuloy po ang aming pag-uusap. Kung hindi makumpleto kaagad by Sept. 30, we will complete it by the time for the deadline for the filing,” the Senate leader said.

Drilon confirmed that Filipino boxer and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was also among those being deliberated by LP.

“Well, isa siya sa mga pangalan na pinag-uusapan namin. What the final slate will be, at this point, I have no knowledge about, but Manny Pacquiao has been one of the names,” Drilon said. Maila Ager/RC

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