Roxas: The fight for change is on
Liberal Party standard bearers Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last November 28 as the party’s official Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, respectively, for the 2010 national elections.
“Padayon ang aton pakig-batu. Ululupod kita, atubangon naton ang bag-o nga buasdamlag,” Roxas, the Liberal Party president, said.
Aquino and Roxas filed their CoCs along with the party’s senatorial candidates – former Senate President Franklin Drilon, former Socioeconomic Planning Sec. Ralph Recto, Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano “Ruffy” Biazon, Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona, former Bukidnon Rep. Nereus “Neric” Acost and guest candidates Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and Sonia Roco of Aksyon Demokratiko.
Detained Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim had filed his CoC on Friday, saying he would run as an independent but would be an “adopted” candidate of the Liberal Party. Lim, who is detained at the Camp Crame Custodial Center for coup charges, was escorted by several policemen.
A short program was held in front of the Comelec office in Intramuros, where Aquino, Roxas and the senatorial bets delivered short messages before their supporters.
Aquino and Roxas have been the frontrunner in all presidential and vice presidential surveys conducted by reputable polling organizations.
The strong showing of the tandem and their platform anchored on good governance and reforms have drawn in new members to the Liberal Party, among them are Aquino’s girlfriend, Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, actors Richard Gomez and Cesar Montano.
Others who have defected to the party were Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonn” Belmonte and Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista; Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri; former Senator Joey Lina; Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio; Gingoog, Misamis Oriental Mayor Ruthie Guingona; Pasay City Vice Mayor Antonio Calixto and former Laguna Vice Governor Edwin Olivares.
Pangasinan Rep. Victor Agbayani; North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Piñol, Jr.; Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza of Pangasinan; Cavite Gov. Erineo “Ayong” Malicsi; Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) of Cebu; and hundreds of local executives nationwide have also joined the party.
