Ex-MIAA GM, son of LP solon behind more-of-PNoy ad

A son of a pro-administration lawmaker and a former general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority have been identified as the convenors of a group behind the full-page newspaper ad seeking a second term for President Benigno Aquino III.

 

The Movement for Reform, Continuity and Momentum (More2Come) said this in a statement it sent to GMA News on Tuesday.

 

It said its lead convenors include former MIAA General Manager Melvin Matibag and RJ Echiverri, son of Caloocan City Representative Enrico "Recom" Echiverri.

 

RJ Echiverri ran for city mayor under the Liberal Party but lost to Oca Malapitan (UNA) in 2013. 

 

Recom Echiverri is a member of the LP, chaired by Aquino.

 

The group had placed a full-page newspaper ad in the Philippine Daily Inquirer pushing for a second term for Aquino, who it said is the "best and only successor" to the presidency.

 

Under the 1987 Constitution, an incumbent President is barred from seeking reelection. The group wants Congress to push for an amendment of this provision via a constituent assembly.

 

It said Aquino had enough allies in Congress to amend that provision in the Constitution.

 

Besides, it said a signature campaign for eight million signatures could be done.

 

The Inquirer declined to say who placed the ad.

 

However, the political opposition has an idea who could be behind the move.

 

"Sinusubukan nila yan pag popular na yan saka nila gagawin. Kaya puro trial balloon yan. Kung di talaga mananalo si (Interior Secretary Manuel II) Roxas dapat may fallback plan sila," said United Nationalist Alliance interim president and Navotas Representative Tobias "Toby" Tiangco.

 

For its part, Malacañang insisted it had nothing to do with the ad.

 

"Siyempre nakikita yan ng mga tao at nagiging hayag yan na patalastas.... Imposible namang hindi mapansin," said Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr.

 

Aside from the newspaper ad, some Facebook accounts have emerged pushing Aquino to run for a second term and for Charter change. Others are pushing Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II to run for President in 2016.

 

Roxas, who was defeated by Jejomar Binay in the vice presidential elections in 2010, was in Davao City Tuesday, a day after attending an event in Zamboanga City. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News