Liberal Party unsure of fielding local candidate

CEBU, Philippines - The Liberal Party in Cebu remains undecided as to whether or not it would field a local candidate next year to boost the campaign of Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino here.

Liberal Party Regional Coordinator Alan Jesus Salmero said Cebu is very crucial, considering that there is no LP member among the elected officials, as majority belongs to the administration’s party, the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.   

LP-Cebu legal counsel Danilo Yap, however, said the decision to field a local candidate lies on Aquino himself.

“It is up to the standard bearer whether to put local candidates or not but it is much better to have local candidates,” Yap said

Still, Yap believed that Aquino’s popularity and his parents’ legacy of honest and good government will help him score a victory here in Cebu.

“He may have no achievements to speak of but the people’s trust and confidence in him to lead this country is what will make him victorious,” Yap said.

Richard Buscayno, LP organizer in Cebu’s first district, said Aquino’s running mate will be known during the LP national convention next month. Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas who gave way for Aquino to run for president is also expected to announce his decision on the party’s clamor for him to run as vice president.

Aquino announced his bid for the presidency last week following a week-long spiritual retreat. He made his announcement at the Club Filipino in Greenhills on the 40th day since his mother, former president Corazon Aquino, died.

Aquino said he was accepting the call from the public, the wishes of his parents and the responsibility to continue the fight for the country.

Just like their party mates and supporters in Manila, the local LP group believes Aquino is an honest man, which is what the country needs at a time when the administration is stirred with seemingly endless accusations of graft and corruption.

LP is the longest running political party in the country with more than 60 years of history and tradition. Among its pillars include former Senators Jovito Salonga and Franklin Drilon and Senator Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)