Mar belittles opponents

MANILA, Philippines – They were weighed but found lacking.

This was how Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Mar Roxas described his rivals yesterday even as he claimed that he is fit to become the next president due to his unblemished record.

Speaking to members of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Roxas said while his opponents had topped previous pre-election surveys, they eventually slid because people saw their weaknesses.

“Today is May 1. It’s the month of Mar Roxas. They (rivals) had their turn,” Roxas said.  

“Tinimbang sila, pero kulang (They were weighed but found lacking),” he added.

Roxas said Vice President Jejomar Binay topped the surveys in February but the public eventually learned about his unexplained wealth.

He said Sen. Grace Poe dominated the March surveys but the voters saw her weaknesses and lack of capability.

“In April, (Davao City Mayor Rodrigo) Duterte was the leading candidate. I am just telling you the truth. People saw his personality and his foul language and now his dirty hands,” Roxas said.

“In my more than 20 years of public service, my name has not been stained by anomalies,” Roxas added.

Meanwhile, former defense secretary Avelino “Nonong” Cruz denied reports that he had switched to Duterte’s camp.

“I continue to fully support the candidacy of Roxas and (vice presidential bet Leni) Robredo,” Cruz said in a statement.

The news report apparently mistook him for Avelino “Abe” Cruz of San Beda Law school. Nonong Cruz is a graduate of UP College of Law and is currently president of the UP Law Foundation.