Top NP, LP execs say no deal yet on 2016 coalition

MANILA, Philippines - Top officials of the Nacionalista and Liberal parties at the Senate on Tuesday agreed that it is too early to say whether their coalition will remain for the 2016 presidential election.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, wife of Nacionalista Party national chairman Manny Villar, said nothing definite has been decided by the party with regards to its coalition with the administration-backed LP.

“There are no talks yet. That is only something in the mind of Sen. [Alan] Cayetano. That is not out of the question, but everything would depend on what will happen next,” Villar said.

Villar added that the presidential elections is still two years away, and there will still be other political events that might affect the party decision for 2016.

On the declaration by Cayetano that he intends to run as president in 2016, Mrs. Villar said the NP has not decided as a whole on who would be its standard bearer.

“That is what he says, he is offering himself if the public wants him. He will see [his chances] by end of the year,” Villar said.

She also debunked reports that her husband will try his luck again for the presidency in the next elections. Former senator Villar, who lost to President Aquino in 2010, has been busy handling the family-owned Vista Landscapes and Residences and that every reference to his political career remains a speculation.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, LP vice-chairman, said that LP has not started discussions whether they will renew their coalition with the NP in 2016.

“The administration is concentrating on good governance. Sa dami ng problema ngayon, wala pang panahon sa politika. The best politics is to do your job para sa amin,” Drilon said.

Asked if he is interested to run for a higher post in 2016, Drilon gave a categorical answer: “All of us is interested to serve our people in 2016.”

Drilon said he and party members will abide by the decision of President Aquino on the party’s plan for the next presidential election.

“Of course, certainly, we will await the view of the President as he is the chairman of our party. He is the honorary chairman of our party and certainly his views will be very weighty on this one,” Drilon said.

Nothing is final yet, Drilon said, adding that, “anything is possible” in Philippine politics.