Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Interior Secretary and Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas invited members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) on Tuesday morning (August 11) to present his plans and ask for their support in 2016.
Twelve lawmakers from the NPC flocked to Balay — Liberal Party’s main headquarters.
In the evening, it was Sen. Grace Poe’s turn. She was with Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, a former NPC member who kept close ties with the party even though he left in 2009.
At least 30 party members met with the senators. But Poe and Escudero received the invitation, unlike Roxas.
There were mayors, congressmen and governors who had the opportunity to sit down with Poe and Escudero and were able to ask them about their plans in 2016.
NPC stalwarts said the meeting was primarily for members who have never met Poe.
Rizal first district Congressman Joel Roy “Jack” Duavit claimed members were easily impressed by Poe.
“She made a very good impression on our members,” said Duavit.
Meanwhile, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the meeting with Roxas was not done in consultation with the party leadership. This bolstered observations that the party could be split over their choice for 2016.
But Duavit underscored the fact that NPC respects the decisions and preferences of its members.
“It’s all about giving choice, choices to the voters. And that applies to all of us here, even within a party,” said Duavit.
NPC members said Roxas, Poe, and even Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay have good friends in NPC who may support their political plans.
Roxas has friends like Congressman Pedro Acharon who will push for him.
Escudero, who may be Poe’s vice presidential running mate, has remained good friends with his former colleagues at the NPC.
While NPC member and Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian may be on the senatorial ticket of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) under Binay.
But candidates admit that support is important in deciding their next step.
“I think it’s the responsible thing to do for every party. In fact for every citizen na kilatisin ang mga humaharap sa kanila,” Roxas said.
And for presidential wannabes, support from political parties like the NPC will be a huge deal for their campaign.
“Para sa akin malaking bagay ang magkaroon ng suportang ganito sapagkat ang NPC ay nationwide. Importante rin yung kanilang mga posisyon. Marami sa kanila gobernador, congressmen, senador na makakasama namin kung sakali,” Poe said.
[Translation: For me, support is a big deal because NPC is nationwide. Their positions are important. Most of them are governors, congressmen, and senators who will be with us.]
With 2,400 incumbents, NPC is the country’s second biggest political party next to LP.
Party members admit that the decision will be a tough one. But officials say recent meetings will help them decide on their party stand.
