‘Mar’s presidential bid gaining ground’

MANILA, Philippines - The presidential bid of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II is now gaining traction, according to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. 

Belmonte, vice chairman of the Liberal Party (LP), also advised Roxas “to go out more,” prove that he is his own man and not depend on President Aquino’s endorsement.

Roxas has been trailing in the presidential surveys but LP leaders expect his poll ratings to jump after his endorsement by Aquino as the administration’s standard bearer.

“I am very sure it (winnability) has improved because he (Roxas) is now able to talk more independently, and he should make that point, now we are interested in his views, vision. I myself would encourage him to be like that,” the Speaker told reporters.

“I am not saying that he should keep his distance (from Aquino) but the public would want to know, aside from continuing the daang matuwid (straight path), what else are you going to do,” he said.

Roxas met with members and leaders of the National Unity Party (NUP) Wednesday night at a mall restaurant in Quezon City to seek their support.

The NUP is the third biggest party in the House of Representatives.

NUP stalwart Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said Roxas was warmly received during the meeting, but the party has yet to make an official choice of presidential candidate to support in 2016.

“I think 80 percent of the NUP are supporting Secretary Mar,” Barzaga told reporters.