LP, NP potential bedfellows in 2016

A Liberal Party (LP) stalwart proposed yesterday the teaming up of President Aquino’s ruling party with the Nacionalista Party (NP) to guarantee victory in the 2016 presidential polls.

Iloilo Representative and LPVisayas party whip Jerry P. Treñas said the country’s two leading political parties have the “right candidates and the right machinery” to ensure victory in the 2016 elections.

“I think that an LP-NP team up will be unbeatable in all levels in 2016. This was already proven

in 2013 when the two parties worked together in the midterm polls. This will work again in 2016,” Treñas said in a statement.

He said Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas “can be named as the coalition’s presidential bet and NP can field their best candidate for the post of the vice-president.”

But he was quick to clarify that his position does not reflect the position of the LP.

Treñas said that with a “deep bench” of members who are qualified to run for office in 2016 elections and a well- oiled and well-supported political machinery, the LP-NP team up could be the unbeatable tandem in the 2016 polls.

“We have strong candidates and we both have strong political machineries. If we work together and further strengthen our coalition for the 2016 presidential elections, our candidates will be unbeatable,” Treñas said

He noted that the since 2010, the LP and NP of former Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar have been partners in pushing for the implementation of economic reforms as well as measures seeking to stamp out graft and corruption in the bureaucracy. To prove his point, he cited the LP-NP tandem in Iloilo City where the Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is an LP while the Vice-Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III, is a Nacionalista.

“This LP and NP partnership can be easily managed because there is no conflict not only among the personalities in both parties but are also bound by the same ideals and principles in terms of governance and public service,” Treñas said. (Charissa M. Luci)