Aquino: LP-NPC coalition intact

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III dismissed reports that the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) intends to leave its coalition with the ruling Liberal Party.

Joining his senatorial bets at a campaign rally here, Aquino told a press conference, “The coalition stands.” The President is here also to inaugurate a dam project.

The President was reacting to statements issued by Pangasinan Rep Mark Cojuangco about the supposed dissatisfaction of the NPC with the LP especially regarding negotiations for the local races. (Read: Are there cracks in Team PNoy?)

“I had the chance to talk to my uncle Henry Cojuangco (brother of NPC founder Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr), the head of the coalition in the House. He reassures me that there is no change in the relationship.”

Re-electionist Sen Loren Legarda is the lone NPC member on the Team PNoy senatorial slate.

NPC was founded by Cojuangco for his failed 1992 presidential bid. It has, through 4 administrations, built itself as reliable partner of the political party in power, finding strength in its numbers.

Its informal partnership with LP means the NPC will tap its political machinery to support the entire administration ticket and commit to support the remaining years of the Aquino administration. For NPC, the LP agrees not to field candidates in some of its bailiwicks and instead support NPC candidates — an arrangement that LP’s other senatorial race partner, the Nacionalista Party, failed to do. – with reports from Carmela Fonbuena in Iloilo/Rappler.com