Presidential candidates to make pitch to NUP

Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Mar Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay will address 500 members of the National Unity Party (NUP) on Monday in hopes of getting their support for the 2016 presidential race.

A third prospective candidate, Sen. Bongbong Marcos, will also speak at the NUP national convention at Sofitel Plaza Hotel in what party leaders described as a venue for the presidential hopefuls to present their platforms of government.

Marcos will appear in lieu of Sen. Grace Poe, who reportedly cannot make it to the event.

The NUP is a member of the administration-led political coalition.

Rival political parties are scrambling to consolidate their forces in the run-up to the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy next month. So far, only Binay, Roxas and Poe have declared their presidential bids.

The support of the NUP, which has a sizable membership in the provinces, draws prospective candidates, especially in a tight election.

Reaffirm allegiance

“More than a show of force, the party’s gathering of our leaders from all over the country will be an opportunity to reaffirm our allegiance to the NUP,” said party chair Antipolo Rep. Roberto V. Puno.

The NUP president, Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia, said the convention would help party members evaluate the candidates on their platforms and “policy positions on major national issues.”

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone of the LP said the backing of the NUP would make a big difference, especially on the local level.

“They have a strong presence in local politics. And local officials are at the front lines of an electoral campaign,” he said.

The NUP was formed in 2011 after internal discord prompted several members of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Lakas Party to break away from the group.

It has for members at least 27 congressmen, eight governors and nine mayors, according to its official website.

NUP vice president Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., a supporter of Roxas, said the party will choose a candidate “worthy of our support” after the convention.

Some 500 NUP leaders from Cagayan to Sulu are expected at Monday’s event.—DJ Yap