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The Liberal Party on Wed, Sep 30, was set to announce its Vice Presidential bet and senatorial slate but instead held what their members describe as a “working convention” at the party headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City.
LP stalwart and former Senator Francis Pangilinan said the gathered party members formally confirmed the nomination of Mar Roxas as their standard bearer. Roxas was granted the power to choose his running mate.
“Kinumpirma ng ating partido ang kandidatura, nomination ng ating standard bearer na si Mar Roxas for President. At the same time ibinigay po natin sa ating kalihim, former Secretary ang kapangyarihan na mamili, i-nominate ang kanyang kandidato for Vice President,” Pangilinan said.
He added that the LP also proceeded with the nomination of the members it will support in the senatorial race.
Included in LP’s senatorial ticket is Pangilinan and reelectionists Senators Franklin Drilon, Ralph Recto, and TG Gunigona.
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, who are also being considered for the LP lineup, also attended the event.
Drilon earlier said the LP has 15 names on its senatorial shortlist.
Robredo, LP’s top choice for Vice President, meanwhile, was not present at the convention and has asked for more time to decide.
Sep 30 is the last day that parties are allowed to hold conventions, based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules.
The LP aims to finalize their line-up today and proclaim their choices next Monday. In case the LP fails to complete its slate today, the party plans to defer the nomination powers to its standard bearer. (with a report from Jon Ibañez, dzMM)
Text and photo: Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
