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Amid talks on possible administration bets for the 2016 presidential polls, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is “expected” to endorse long-time ally, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.
In an interview on ANC’s “Beyond Politics” Tuesday night, Drilon, who is also Liberal Party’s vice chairman, said people expect the president to name Roxas.
“People are expecting the president to endorse Secretary Mar Roxas. I think it’s a belief entertained by many sectors,” the LP stalwart said.
“Given all the circumstances, I think it’s a reasonable expectation,” he added.
According to Drilon, Roxas is expected to leave his post once an endorsement is made.
“I will expect him to already leave his post after that… If not immediately, shortly after that.”
Drilon said Aquino will endorse his 2016 choice most likely after the State of the Nation Address.
“The president will make the endorsement before July 31…. [but] after the SONA. That should be on the 29th, the 30th or the 31st. An endorsement will be made,” said Drilon.
The Senate President explained that the reforms to be discussed at the SONA should be highlighted first, and the announcement of the endorsement will come days after.
Drilon also took time to address the perceived delays in the announcement of President Aquino’s endorsement.
“I think the president was trying to consolidate… You know, he’s working on a coalition,” Drilon explained.
He added that President Aquino would want to preserve the coalition he has now, and that the president has been talking to several stakeholders.
“The president would want to preserve this coalition… All this time, he’s trying to consolidate his allies, or the allies of the government and his supporters. And he’s consulting. It takes a process,” he added.
The LP vice chairman was also pressed for comments on President Aquino’s meeting with Senator Grace Poe, another potential presidential candidate.
Asked if the LP is ready should Poe run for president, Drilon had this to say: “We’re prepared for all contingencies.” (ANC)
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
