Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — More than the Liberal Party’s presumptive standard bearer, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, party stalwarts seem to be more excited than him for the big announcement this Friday, July 31.
Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, LP chairman for political and electoral affairs, confirmed in a text message to CNN Philippines Online that the biggest political party in the country will announce Roxas as its standard bearer on Friday at 10 a.m. at Club Filipino in San Juan.
According to Erice, Roxas deserves to be named as LP’s presidential bet, “after sacrificing his political ambitions in 2010, and after being a loyal LP member.”
Erice even considers this as the party’s “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) to Roxas.
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Meanwhile, Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo said that he could not be more excited for Roxas for the big announcement.
“I’m happy for him and the Filipino people, that we will be assured of a leader who can continue the right path PNoy started,” Castelo said in a text message.
Batangas Rep. Sonny Collantes also said the Liberal Party would surely rally behind Roxas, whom he referred to as President Aquino’s “go-to guy”.
VP Binay, ‘waiting’ for LP’s announcement
Vice President Jejomar Binay told reporters in an interview at the Cavite Provincial Capitol this morning that he is equally eager to know who will be officially named as his contender from the administration’s party in the presidential race next year.
With a smile on his face, Binay said, “aba eh ‘di matatapos na ang pahele-hele. So, ‘yun na. Tapos na ang hele-hele.”
[Translation: “Finally, the guessing game is over. That’s it. The guess is over.]
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Asked about his chances in winning a two-way fight against Mar Roxas in the 2016 elections, Binay answered, “Ayoko namang maging mayabang pero nakita mo naman ‘yung mga survey.”
[Translation: I don’t want to boast, but you’ve seen the results of the surveys.]
Roxas visits tomb of grandfather and father, before announcement
Even without finally admitting he knows what’s coming tomorrow in Club Filipino, Roxas suddenly felt the urge to visit the tomb of his grandfather, his father, and his brother.
Roxas said, he misses them and he wants to ‘bond’ with them.
“Naglaan talaga ako ng konting panahon para bisitahin ang aking lolo, ama, kapatid na siyang naging lingkod bayan din,” Roxas said.
[Translation: I decided to spend some time to visit my grandfather, my father, and my brother who are also public servants.]
Mar is the son of former Senator Gerry Roxas, and the grandson of former President Manuel Roxas, whom he was named after.
Roxas said, their principles guided him these past few days, when important decisions have to be made.
