3rd CALD Political Party Management Workshop

and CALD Women’s Caucus WorkshopOctober 1 –6, 2010 | Phnom Penh,

Cambodia

Developments in the Liberal Party since 2007

by Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay

The Liberal PartyThe Liberal Party (LP) was founded on 19 January 1946 by

Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic.

The second oldest Political Party in the Philippines, the Liberal Party (LP) is considered an institution of Philippines sociopolitical life. Formed after World War II by Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, it has consistently provided the country with strong leadership, especially in times of crisis.

It is a Party whose history is filled with sacrifice; its members and leaders have been known to give their very lives just to see Freedom and Liberty reign in the Philippines. During moments of moral ambiguity in Philippine Politics, government officials and the media always look towards where the LP will go as an indication on what may be the right decision or stand on an issue.

Party officialsChairman Emeritus:

Former Senate President Jovito Salonga (1982-present)

Chairman: Sen.Franklin Drilon (2006-present)

Party officials

President: Former Sen. Manuel Roxas II

(present)

Executive Vice President: H.E. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino

III

Party officialsVice President for Policy:

Sec. Florencio Abad,Department of Budget &

Management

Secretary-General: Rep. Jun Abaya

Party officialsDirector-General:

Atty. Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon, Esq

Deputy Director-General: La Union Province Board Member

Henry Bacunay, Jr.

Highlights within the LP2005The Liberal Party withdraws its support from the

Arroyo Administration following controversies involving her election into office. LP cabinet officials resign from their posts along with other economic and social service secretaries.

2007Liberal Party senatorial candidates Francis “Kiko”

Pangilinan and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III are elected in the office placing 5th and 6th respectively

Highlights within the LP - 2007Institutionalization of Monthly Leaders’

Meeting.

LP Headquarters Greater Grassroots Work

August 21 Events

Media Workshop for Liberals

International Relations

Highlights within the LP2008-2009

Strengthening National Machinery for 2010

Assembly of Liberal Board Members in December of 2008

Forum with Mr. Joe Hannsen, chief strategist for Pres. Barack Obama

Highlights within the LP2008-2009

Liberal Party-AKBAYAN (Citizens’ Action Party) Alliance

August 21 Events – Catalyzing Event: The passing of Former President Corazon C. Aquino

Deepening Ties with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

Highlights within the LP - 2010Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas

initially aspired for the Presidency. Following former President Corazon Aquino’s death in August, calls for Senator Noynoy Aquino to run for President in the 2010 elections prompted Senator Roxas to withdraw from his bid and support Senator Aquino.

Senator Roxas’ sacrifice of putting “Country Above Self” inspired Filipinos to support an Aquino-Roxas candidacy. Aquino and Roxas joined forces to become the most favored tandem in the 2010 elections

Highlights within the LP - 2010

Benigno S. “Noynoy” Aquino is elected and proclaimed President in June 2010

The Liberal Party obtains 4 seats in the Senate and 81 seats in the House of Representatives, including the Speaker of the House, Feliciano Belmonte Jr.