Aquino, LP stalwarts in a 'show of force' for Roxas
Metro Manila ( CNN Philippines) — More than a thousand government officials gathered at a restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan on Tuesday noon (August 4) to show their support for Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer, Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.
The room was filled with the color yellow, in an event that could be considered as the second "Gathering of Friends" for Roxas.
President Benigno Aquino III graced the event — along with other prominent figures like Justice Sec. Leila De Lima, Senate Pres. Franklin Drilon, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.
Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice and Secretary Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were also there.
All of them, including Roxas, were seated at the presidential table.
Aquino reiterated how qualified Roxas was in continuing his "Matuwid na Daan" style of governance.
Roxas thanked all the attendees, some of them coming all the way from the Visayas and Mindanao.
"Narito ako sa harap ninyo. Buong katapatan, buong pagpapakumbaba akong lumalapit sa inyo para hilingin ang tulong nyo," Roxas said.
[Translation: "I face you all today in all honesty and humility,seeking your help."]
Roxas still did not announce who his running mate would be.
Robredo, who was among those being pushed to be the running mate of Roxas, said she was not yet ready.
For her, there's only one fit for the role: Sen. Grace Poe.
On Monday evening (August 3), Roxas formally filed his resignation as Interior secretary with the president.
However, Aquino asked him to stay longer.
"Kahit naman sa private sector, may two weeks o one month notice, so sabi ko naman (kay presidente) di kita iiwan sa ere," Roxas recounted.
[Translation: "Even in the private sector, there's a two-week or one-month notice before leaving your post. I told (the president) that I won't leave him just like that."]
Roxas will remain in Aquino's Cabinet until the president could can find a replacement.
