Leaders and members of the Liberal Party vowed to deliver significant votes for Manuel A. Roxas II and his running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo during yesterday’s show of force amid the stagnant survey rating of their standard-bearer.
Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Trenas declared that the full support system of local LP allies will give Roxas and Robredo some eight to 12 more percentage points that are enough to secure victory in the 2016 elections.
The latest Pulse Asia and Social Weather Station surveys showed Roxas having 18 and 19 percent ratings while Robredo got 19 to 21 percent.
“Although they are trailing in surveys, they are still within an easy striking distance to secure a big win because of LP’s massive size, reach, and penetration,” said Trenas.
More than 50 governors and more than 100 congressmen attended yesterday’s LP’s show of force at the Club Filipino in San Juan City. It was also attended by Roxas, Robredo, and President Aquino.
Aside from them, various sectoral groups were also present such as the transport groups led by Zeny Maranan and Obet Martin.
Among the governors who declared support to Roxas and Robredo were Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane, Bohol Gov. Ed Chato, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon, and Isabela Gov. Bojie Dy.
“The whole of Iloilo and Western Visayas are Mar Roxas country. Secretary Mar will win overwhelmingly, by landslide (in the region),” said Defensor.
“Mar Roxas will get one million votes in Negros Occidental and another 500,000 votes from Negros Oriental,” said Maranon.
Officials from Caraga vowed a repeat of the 2010 elections in which Roxas won in all the provinces of the region.
Caloocan City Rep. Egay Erice, LP spokesman, said the meeting of LP local allies and supporters is not a loyalty check but more of a show of force amid the negative perception brought by the survey results.
“The people should know that their local leaders themselves believe on the accomplishments of the Daang Matuwid,” said Erice.