Salceda sworn into LP; Bicol rallies for Aquino

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on Monday was sworn into the Liberal Party (LP), thus galvanizing the support of the Bicol region for the candidacy of LP standard bearer Benigno S. "Noynoy" Aquino III.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Balay Aquino-Roxas in Cubao, Quezon City, and was presided over by LP president, and vice-presidential candidate, Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

The endorsement of Salceda, along with the Bicol Bloc led by Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo and Camarines Norte Rep. Liwayway Vinsons-Chato, will ensure that the People's Campaign of Sen Aquino and Sen Roxas will resonate throughout the region.

"Theirs is a message of hope and change that promises to put the country back on track," the Bicol Bloc said collectively in a Manifesto of Support presented to the Aquino-Roxas tandem. "Theirs is a commitment to Bicol development that we, as former and current public officials of the national and local governments and civil society leaders in the region, will help realize under an Aquino-Roxas administration."

Salcedo's oath taking was the second instance wherein stalwarts of Lakas-Kampi-CMD joined Sen Aquino's campaign for good governance. According to Sen Aquino, the many defectors from other parties go through a strict screening process.

Gov. Salceda, described as a "reform-oriented" leader and an "asset" to any organization to which he belongs, was one of the few who made the cut.