Mar vows to help namesake

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Friday vowed to find ways to help his namesake who withdrew his candidacy for president after admitting that he only wanted assistance for his jailed son.

Roxas said he was saddened to hear about the problems of the family of his namesake, who filed his certificate of candidacy last October 16.

“I am also a father and I know how hard it is for parents if their child is experiencing hardship,” Roxas said in a statement.

“I will see how I can help as an ordinary citizen, starting from medical assistance so we can check the condition of his son,” he added.

Roxas’ namesake, who introduced himself as Manuel Antonio Roxas, backed out of the presidential race last Thursday, saying he does not want to create problems. Speaking to reporters at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila. Manuel Antonio said he just wanted President Benigno Aquino III and Roxas to look into the situation of his jailed son.

Manuel Antonio said nobody asked him to withdraw his candidacy. A report by News 5, however, quoted Manuel Antonio’s wife as saying that LP members have already promised them help.

“He (Manuel Antonio) was asked to sign their petition immediately. After we informed them of our grievances, that we are only after the release of our son, they said ‘we gonna (sic) help you,’” Erlinda said.

Earlier, Roxas asked the Comelec to disqualify Manuel Antonio and to declare him a nuisance candidate.

Roxas said his namesake, who claimed that his nickname is also “Manny Mar Roxas,” would create confusion among voters.  

“Respondent Manuel Antonio Roxas clearly filed his COC (certificate of candidacy) for President to create confusion among the voters through the similarity between his name and that of petitioner Manuel Araneta Roxas,” the LP standard bearer said in his petition.