Palace: LP member should endorse partymates

Malacanang on Monday said members of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) are expected to endorse their partymates.

"We know our position but we are not involved in the day-to-day operations. But we expect LP people to endorse LP candidates," said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda during the press briefing in reaction to the reported joining of Albay Governor Joey Salceda during the press conference of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidates in his province.

Salceda, regional chairman of the LP and is running for re-election unopposed, welcomed the UNA senatoriables to Albay on Sunday and even raised the hands of one of its candidate Nancy Binay in the press conference.

The Albay governor also attended the lot distribution event in Legazpi City with Vice President Jejomar Binay.

As a sworn member of the LP, Lacierda said, "we expect you to endorse the candidates – the national candidates of the Liberal Party."

He, however, said that President Benigno Aquino III will not in anyway prevent other political leaders to support any of the group or slate.

Lacierda said the Palace is not involved in the campaign so "we will leave it with (Senator) Frank Drilon and the LP to discuss it with Governor Salceda."

"Hindi kasi kami involved sa campaign (We are not involved in the campaign). So we would like to put a distance. Bahala na po ang LP at saka si Senator Frank Drilon (It's up to the LP and Senator Franklin Drilon on what action to take)," he said.

Salceda, a former ally of detained Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, earlier was also quoted as saying that the province of Albay can deliver a realistic 10-2 win for the administration coalition Team PNoy.

Without identifying the two administration candidates who will be dropped by Bicolano voters, the Albay governor said San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito and former Senator Miguel Zubiri, who are running under the UNA Party, will likely acquire the two slots. (PNA)