Palace to watch Liberal Party “in amusement”

May 21, 2019

Malacanang said on Tuesday the defeat of opposition Liberal Party's Otso Direstso senatorial bets could be considered as the Filipinos' repudiation on them while an expression of support to President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the administration would just watch LP "in amusement" following Senator Francis Pangilinan's submission of resignation as head of the party.

He said LP used the recent midterm elections as a referendum for President Rodrigo Duterte.

"They didn't raise the issue against the candidates endorsed by the President or (Davao City) Mayor Sara (Duterte-Carpio), but they concentrated and focused on the performance of the President, and the issue was raised against him, and the people simply repudiated them," he explained.

Asked about Palace's perception about LP, "Let LP speaks for itself and we will watch in amusement."

But he hailed Pangilinan's move of quitting as LP president as the Otso Diretso senatorial candidates lost in the polls.

"That's commendable. He accepts defeat," Panelo said.

But Vice President Leni Robredo, LP's chair, reportedly rejected Pangilinan's resignation.

Pangilinan submitted his resignation as LP president because he was taking full responsibility for the defeat of the Otso Diretso senatorial bets. Celerina Monte/DMS