ACTORS, re-electionists, novice politicians and defectors from other parties were among those inducted into the Liberal Party by standard-bearer Noynoy Aquino and running mate Mar Roxas in Quezon City yesterday.
Among the new LP converts was Misamis Occidental Gov. Loreto Ocampos, president of the League of Provincial Governors, who bolted the ruling Lakas-Kampi CMD.
Aquino said the effort to recruit Senator Jamby Madrigal for the senatorial team was making progress. The LP was willing to reserve a slot for Madrigal but she would have to consult with her political allies and supporters before deciding to abandon her presidential plan in favor of re-election, he said.
But all eyes during the mass oath taking at the Balay Expo Centro in Cubao were on Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, Aquino’s fiancée. Soledad shelved her plan to run for a seat in the House of Representatives, saying she wanted to be with Aquino during most of the presidential campaign, and would instead seek a re-election for councilor.
“It is very much overwhelming now that the party grows bigger and bigger before the 2010 elections. The coming months will be very busy for Senator Noynoy and I will be very supportive of him,” she told Standard Today.
Soledad made the rounds and shook hands with party stalwarts and new members, and posed for photographers during the event at Balay Expo, the party’s national headquarters.
The crowd broke into cheers when Soledad, giving in to the audience’s request, offered both her cheeks to Aquino’s lips.
Actor Richard Gomez, who wants the congressional seat for the Fourth District of Leyte, also took his oath. He said actress and television host Kris Aquino, Aquino’s sister, recruited him for the LP.
Another celebrity, Councilor Marjorie Barretto, was among the local officials and other politicians from Caloocan City that were sworn into the party.
The 111 new LP members came from Manila and the provinces of Aurora, Laguna, Camarines Sur, Albay, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley.
Former Rep. Rodolfo Bacani led a group of new LP members from Manila.
“We feel honored that you have chosen to be with us in this fight, proof that Noynoy is not alone. This speaks of the dignity of the Liberal as we strive to promote a political system that the people are looking for. Conscience before ambition, principle before power, nation before self,” Roxas said.
