Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II admitted on Tuesday (October 6) that the low survey ratings of his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, were a concern. But he said he was confident her numbers would improve – just like his – now that she has the president’s endorsement.
Party members also expect voters to back her up once they get to know her better.
And LP isn’t wasting any time.
At the oath taking of new members on Tuesday at the LP headquarters In Quezon City, the recruits were urged to do what they can to help the Mar-Leni tandem win.
Roxas swore in more than 200 mayors, vice mayors, and councilors from different provinces and political parties.
He thanked them for joining Daang Matuwid.
He was especially pleased with the local officials from Yolanda-hit Leyte who jumped ship.
Roxas has been criticized for what some say was his slow response to the 2013 disaster.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, Roxas’s rival for the country’s top post in 2016, believes this is why the LP bet will not win in Yolanda-hit areas.
Tanauan, Leyte was one of the areas hardest hit by Supertyphoon Yolanda, and its mayor was among those sworn in by Roxas from Binay’s United Nationalists Alliance (UNA).
The Liberal Party is scheduled to announce its Senate slate on Friday (October 9).
Many are waiting to see if Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be included after his involvement in a controversial dance number at an LP member’s birthday party last week.
Roxas said the incident, and Tolentino, were still under investigation.
