Noy backing on Ping sparks LP infighting

ROXAS WANTS TO RETAIN ROBREDO TO AID SPEAKERSHIP BID

06/18/2012

Infighting in the stables of President Aquino erupted anew with the endorsement of Aquino himself of Sen. Panfilo Ping Lacson for a Cabinet slot when his term expires next year possibly to the post of Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a prospect that the camp of Aquino trouble shooter Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas wants blocked.

Highly-placed sources from the House of Representatives said that Roxas, president of the Liberal Party, is extremely opposed to the plan of President Aquino to give Lacson a Cabinet post.

The camp of Sec. Roxas is against Lacson because he is not their ally. They want to keep (Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse) Robredo in his post as the latters departure may jeopardize whatever plans that Roxas may have in mind for the coming elections. The post of Robredo is very strategic in terms of harmonizing relations with local governments and national police force, the source said.

The same source said that while Aquino, LP chairman, wants Roxas to remain in his Cabinet, the secretary and former senator is reportedly eyeing the post of House Speaker in place of Feliciano Belmonte by running as congressman of Capiz in the 2013 elections.

There are serious talks in Capiz about his comeback and challenge the speakers post of the next Congress. If Secretary Robredo will be replaced, the replacement must be their ally, the source said.

But the source explained that the last say would be from Aquino who is allegedly weighing his options so as not to hurt leaders of the LP in case he appointed Lacson to a contested post.

The President is weighing intelligently all his available options so as to ensure that his forces are consolidated and united. The last say will be the Presidents. After all, it is his prerogative, the source said.

Roxas has been locked in a bitter battle with Vice President Jejomar Binay since the past elections. Roxas protested Binays victory before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

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Noy backing on Ping sparks LP infighting