Who to endorse: NP leaning towards Poe

Nacionalista Party (NP), controlled by billionaire Manny Villar, has yet to endorse its presidential candidate.

But based on how its local government officials have come out to raise the hand of independent candidate Grace Poe in the campaign rallies, the oldest political party has made its choice.

Poe refused to confirm or deny whether the NP’s endorsement was already in the bag. Poe said that she was just happy that  NP members have endorsed her at least in their personal capacity.

Poe’s spokesperson Rex Gatchalian said it was better for the NP leadership to announce who it would endorse as president.

“Suffice to say though, Sen. Poe is very grateful to the NP members who have endorsed and supported her candidacy,” said Gatchalian.

Among the NP members who have endorsed Poe were former Surigao del Sur Rep. Ace Barbers, Agusan del Norte Rep. Erlpe John Amante, gubernatorial bet Guillermo A. Romarate Jr., Las Piñas City Mayor Nene Aguilar and San Juan City Vice Mayor Francis Zamora.

Aguilar is the sister of Sen. Cynthia Villar who was among the senators who voted to uphold Poe’ right to run for president in the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Weeks before the start of filing of candidacy, Poe, who was running as independent, had  discussed a possible alliance with NP along with the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the National Unity Party, and Makabayan. So far, only the NPC and the Makabayan bloc have firmed up their support for Poe.

Three of the six vice presidential candidates—Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—are NP members.