Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Hundreds of Liberal Party (LP) members from across the country flocked at their headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City on Wednesday (September 8), to iron out its entire slate for national elective posts.
The party is expected to make this major decision, with President Benigno Aquino III in attendance. The president delivered a message but the media was not allowed inside.
Budget secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad called it a “working convention” – a chance for them to thresh out and finalize their coalitions with other political parties.
LP also plans to formally announce their slate by Monday next week.
Apart from LP presidential bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, apparent members of its senatorial slate including re-electionist senators Franklin Drilon, Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, and Ralph Recto were also present.
Former Sen. Francis Pangilinan, former Energy secretary Jericho Petilla and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista – all said to be members of the senatorial line-up – also attended the convention.
Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo – currently the strongest choice to be Roxas’ vice presidential running mate – was not around.
The party is expected to formally nominate Roxas as its standard bearer.
He may also be given the authority to decide who to put in the LP senatorial ticket.
This is in case the party fails to come up with a complete slate as the convention ends.
