MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Senator Francis Pangilinan was named the new acting president of the Liberal Party (LP) on Sunday, November 6.

Pangilinan, who was previously the LP’s vice president, will hold the position until the party holds its next elections.

The senator succeeded ex-acting LP president Joseph Emilio Abaya, former Department of Transportation and Communications chief, and ex-interior secretary Manuel Roxas II, who was party president on leave since 2014. Roxas was the standard-bearer of the LP during the 2016 polls. 

“Malaking hamon ang paghirang na ito. Alam ko at tinatanggap ang mga tungkuling kaakibat nito (This appointment is a big challenge. I know and accept the responsibilities that come with this). I am humbled by the designation. I realize the weight of the position and I accept the responsibilities it entails. I am responding to this call to serve the people,” said Pangilinan in a statement sent to reporters.

He then cited a need to “redefine” the LP, which was the ruling party during the previous Aquino administration.

While Vice President Leni Robredo belongs to the LP, a majority of politicians who were once its members jumped ship to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan. (READ: Aquino: I understand LP lawmakers jumping ship to PDP-Laban)

“Sa mga pagkakataong ganito, nalalaman natin kung sino talaga ang may matibay na pagkaunawa hindi lang sa mga prinsipyo ng partido kundi maging sa mga tungkulin ng isang partidong wala sa poder (During these times, we are able to determine who has a strong understanding of not only the principles of the party but also of the responsibilities of those belonging to a party not in power). We need to work within the current situation to redefine ourselves as a party: How can we as a party work on addressing poverty, joblessness, and the high prices of basic necessities,” Pangilinan said.

Just like Robredo, Pangilinan said the LP would work to support the thrusts of the Duterte administration. (READ: Robredo: ‘No. 1 responsibility’ to support Duterte admin) 

“We have our individual and collective roles in nation-building. Hindi tayo magiging hadlang sa mabubuting plano at gawain ng Duterte administration para sa bayan, tulad ng kanyang mga (We will not get in the way of the good plans and programs of the Duterte administration like his) anti-poverty programs, pro-labor and massive infrastructure plans, support for farmers and fisher folks, particularly the coco levy bill for coconut farmers, peace-building initiatives, and the focus to develop Mindanao,” said Pangilinan.

Unity, party consolidation

At a time when die-hard supporters of Duterte and those who criticize the President often clash, the senator called for unity. (READ: Propaganda war: Weaponizing the Internet)

“Magtanim tayo, hindi ng galit o sama ng loob, kundi ng pag-asa at mga polisiya at programang tama para sa bayan. Tapos na ang eleksyon. Palitan na natin ang ‘tards’ ng ‘pards’ at ‘mards.’ Sama-sama tayong kumilos tungo sa isang bansang may malasakit sa kapwa, katarungan, at tunay na kalayaan – kalayaan mula sa kahirapan, katiwalian, at takot,” he added. 

(Let’s plant, not seeds of hate or grudges, but hope and policies that are good for the country. The elections are over. Let us change “tards” to “pards” and “mards.” Let’s all work together towards a country where there is care for others, justice, and true freedom – freedom from poverty, corruption, and fear.)

Senator Leila de Lima, Pangilinan’s party mate, said the first order of business for the new leader is “consolidation,” after many partymates jumped ship to Duterte’s PDP-Laban right after the May 2016 polls.

“Only a few remained with the LP. Fewer still stand out as vocal mouthpieces of the party against the abuses of the administration. The agenda now should include whether or not to remain with the administration coalition or come out categorically as the genuine opposition,” De Lima said in a statement.

“These are the changes the great party of Jovito Salonga and Gerry Roxas should be seriously considering if it is to remain relevant to the people and to the call of the times. I believe Senator Kiko will lead us to this newly energized and consolidated party,” she added. – Rappler.com