Philippine President Benigno Aquino endorses interior minister Manuel Roxas as next leader, despite poor polling numbers
Aquino said he interviewed three potential candidates ahead of Friday’s endorsement, but in the end chose Roxas.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino endorsed long-time ally Manuel Roxas on Friday for the country’s 2016 presidential election, saying the interior minister was the best person to advance anti-corruption reforms.
“We choose the one who is certain to pursue the straight and narrow path,” said Aquino, alluding to his hallmark anti-graft crusade that he says ushered in unprecedented economic growth in the impoverished archipelago nation.
“In short, I believe that person is none other than Mar Roxas,” the president told cheering members of his Liberal Party, using the minister’s nickname.
The Philippines is set to elect a new leader in May 2016, with contenders required to register their candidacy ahead of a mid-October deadline.
The interior minister is likely to run against populist Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is being investigated by a special prosecutor over graft allegations, and the popular Senator Grace Poe, who had also sought Aquino’s endorsement.
Supporters in yellow clapped and chanted “Roxas Now” as the 58-year-old grandson of the Philippines’ first president choked back tears and thanked the president.
