‘No alternative’ to Mar in 2016, says LP president Abaya

MANILA, Philippines – Liberal Party president and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emillio Abaya on Tuesday, September 23, dismissed the possibility of the administration party fielding a presidential candidate other than Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II in the 2016 polls.

“No, honestly we do not even talk about it. We’re just dead set that Secretary Mar will be our flag bearer. No alternatives or anything,” reports quoted Abaya telling Senate reporters after a budget hearing in the Senate on Tuesday, September 23.

Abaya refused to discuss statements by President Benigno Aquino III, also the LP chairman, on the possibility of a second term, saying he is “not privy” to it.

READ: How do you solve a problem like Mar Roxas?

Roxas has been trailing behind opposition candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay in presidential surveys. This has made some LP members “uneasy,” prompting them to ask among themselves if the dominant party is looking at the possibility of fielding other candidates.

In the political gossip mill, the names of Senator Grace Poe and Camarines Sur Leni Robredo have been floated.

Roxas was also slated to run in the 2010 presidential polls but he gave way to then Senator Benigno Aquino III. He was back then also trailing behind Nacionalista Party candidate Senator Manuel Villar. 

Roxas slid down to become his running mate but he lost to Binay. Roxas believes Binay cheated to win the 2010 polls. (READ: Mar Roxas on 2016 elections: I can defeat Binay again) – Rappler.com