PNoy doubts NPC party's endorsement of Poe's candidacy

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan - President Benigno Aquino III on Monday expressed doubt that the endorsement of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) on the candidacy of Sen. Grace Poe is a party stand.

In a campaign rally here for the candidates of the Liberal Party (LP)-led Daang Matuwid coalition, Aquino acknowledged the presence of NPC members.

"Mga Boss, kita naman po niyo, may mga kasama tayo galing sa Nationalist People’s Coalition. Palagay ko po ‘yung presensya nila dito nagsasabi na kung may party stand o wala," Aquino said.

NPC members present in the venue were Urdaneta Mayor Amadeo "Bobom" Perez IV and Rep. Primicias Aggabas.

"Siguro baka magkaroon ng party stand papunta sa atin, te-thank you tayo dyan," he added.

Several leaders of the NPC, the second biggest political party next to the ruling Liberal Party (LP), earlier endorsed the candidacies of Senators Grace Poe and Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and Vice President Jejomar Binay, however, claimed that the endorsement is not a party stand as several NPC members have already promised their support for their respective candidacies.

Earlier in the day, Roxas met with local government officials from the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

NPC members who attended the meeting included Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espina Jr. and Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil. — BAP, GMA News