LP to decide Mar's running mate

MANILA, Philippines - The national executive council of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) is set to meet on September 28 to agree on a running mate for Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

In an interview with ANC's Headstart on Friday, LP chair for political affairs and Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice said that the party is ready to move on after Sen. Grace Poe announced her presidential bid.

"Maraming option. Kaya lang hinintay ni Sec. Mar nung magsabi ang pangulo na hindi pa siya nawawalan ng pag-asa kay Sen. Poe," Erice said.

Erice noted that the LP is also considering Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Bureau of Internal Revenue Kim Henares as Roxas' running mate.

Despite Poe's announcement of her 2016 presidential bid, Erice maintained that the administration party is confident of Roxas's fighting chance in the elections.

The LP official added that the Interior secretary is a strong candidate particularly in Regions 6 and 7.

Meanwhile, Robredo has confirmed that Roxas formally invited her to be his vice president for the 2016 polls.

The Camarines Sur lawmaker is yet to decide on the LP standard bearer's offer.