President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s endorsement in the upcoming 2016 national elections will be affected by the Mamasapano incident according to Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao. The deputy speaker belongs to the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which belongs to a coalition led by the ruling Liberal Party.
Although the deputy speaker stated that the President’s endorsement will be affected by their party, Nationalist People’s Coalition support is still very strong with the administration. Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao also added that the Mamasapano incident may have dented a little bit the possible influence of the President on who to support for the next elections.
The Deputy Speaker also noted that before the Mamasapano clash, the perception is whoever chosen by the President will have a very distinct advantage, but with this, the perception may have (been affected)… a bit.
Meanwhile, Liberal Party member Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, does not think the Mamasapano incident has diminished President Aquino’s endorsement power, noting that the President’s anti-corruption platform will remain relevant in 2016.
The LP member was quoted as saying “I hope this will die down soon before election time pero kung may lamat tingin ko pagdating ng eleksyon mawawala. Corruption pa rin number 1 issue sa 2016,” Evardone said.
Rep. Aggabao also kept his distance from the calls for the president’s resignation.