4 LP Senate bets named, Mar to choose remaining 8

MANILA, Philippines - The ruling Liberal Party convened its National Executive Council (NECO) on Wednesday to decide on its slate for the 2016 national elections.

During the meeting presided by President Aquino at the party's national headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City, LP leaders formally nominated Manuel Roxas II as their presidential candidate.

The NECO also passed resolutions formally authorizing Roxas to select the LP's vice presidential candidate and 12 senatorial bets.

"We are living it up to Mar Roxas, the presidential candidate, to finalize the 12 senatorial candidates, those with whom he has confidence and whom he thinks will be his helpers in pursuing his program of government," LP stalwart House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said in press conference.

The LP leaders formally nominated only four senatorial candidates during the NECO convention.

These were Senate President Franklin Drilon, Sens. Teofisto Guingona III and Ralph Recto and former Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

Belmonte said Roxas will pick the remaining eight senatorial bets.

"Sa kanya binigay 'yung karapatan at responsibilidad," he said.

Belmonte admitted that there are more than 12 names on the LP's list of possible senatorial candidates.