P-Noy endorses Mar for 2016

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has anointed Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II as the standard bearer of the Liberal Party but prevailed upon him to remain in the DILG until the filing of the certificate of candidacy in October.

“To my bosses, I tell you today: In my opinion, the one who has shown exemplary work and true integrity, the one fully ready to continue the straight path, is none other than Mar Roxas,” the President said.

The President also referred to his meetings with Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero, although he did not name them.

“In my view, these three people could form a truly formidable team. At this point in time, success has eluded us in this endeavor. We reached an understanding; it seems like we have similar goals, but our means of achieving those goals are not exactly attuned to one another’s,” said Aquino.

Many expect Poe and Escudero to run either as independents even as members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition have already expressed their willingness to adopt the duo.

Aquino, however, said the future of the country – and the reform agenda he has begun with his straight path policy – was far too important to leave to chance.

“Why must we allow ourselves to be attracted to ‘maybe,’ when we can be certain? Someone who, we’re certain, is more than capable; someone, we’re certain, has no boss other than the Filipino people, who, we’re certain, owes no debt of gratitude to any other, someone, we’re certain, has no interest other than country before self. We will go with whom we can be certain will continue the straight path, and I believe that person is none other than Mar Roxas,” the President said.

Roxas said he accepted the challenge to continue, expand and fight for the straight path, vowing not to tarnish the legacy of his family or that of Aquino’s.

“I have never met a President who sacrificed so much for the country. I have never met a President who has been able to inspire so much confidence. PNoy allowed us to imagine again what the Filipino is capable of,” he said.

“In this endorsement, you have passed on the dreams and aspirations of every Filipino. To our bosses, I won’t tarnish the trust you’ve given me. I wish for the Filipino people only what I would wish for myself. After all, who are we if not our dreams?” Roxas added.

Roxas, however, still does not not have a running mate, although he has consistently expressed his preference for Poe to be his vice president.

The Liberal Party is reportedly eyeing Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo or Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto to be the running mate of Roxas.

Robredo, however, said she is not inclined to seek the vice presidency