'No rift between Aquino, Roxas'

THERE is no rift between President Benigno Aquino III and Senator Mar Roxas, said Judy Araneta Roxas, the senator's mother, during her courtesy call on Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. Thursday.

Mrs. Roxas said the President, once in a while, would call Mar (Roxas) to consult him on some projects.

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She also said after the one year prohibition, the President will appoint Mar to a government position, which Mrs. Roxas will not disclose yet.

There is a legal provision that losing candidates during the previous elections are barred under the elections laws to be appointed in any government position for a period of one year.

There was a report saying the President will appoint Roxas as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary. Roxas has served as trade secretary during the early years of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

It was during his tenure as Arroyo's trade secretary that Senator Roxas earned his title as "Mr. Palengke."

The senator's mother, who hails from Bago City, said she visited the governor and the vice governor to express her gratitude for the support of Negrenses to his son and President Aquino during the recent polls.

She added she will meet friends, relatives and supporters who have helped Mar get a large number of votes in the province. (Teresa Ellera-Dulla)