HAVING already declared their support to deposed President Joseph Estrada’s planned comeback, administration officials Friday denied they are gravitating toward the Aquino-Roxas tandem.

The speculations surfaced after Neric Acosta, Liberal Party vice president for Mindanao, said Thursday that Mayor Constantino Jaraula and Vice Mayor Vicente Emano were to attend a gathering of local officials in Davao City to “support” Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s presidential bid.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

An official of the ruling PaDayon Pilipino confirmed that Vice Mayor Emano travelled to Davao City Friday, but denied that he was to attend a gathering aimed at supporting Aquino’s planned candidacy.

Instead, the PaDayon party chieftain met with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Zamboanga Mayor Celso Lobregat and other officials to hold discussion on who to support, said the PaDayon official. He requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak in behalf of the party.

The local officials planned to meet with other presidential bets and hope to agree with a common candidate to support in next year’s elections, the PaDayon official said. He added that Mayor Jaraula begged off from the gathering due to a previously scheduled engagement in Cagayan de Oro City.

Emano had long declared his support for Estrada, who said he was 99.99 percent certain on his plan to run again for the country’s top post in the 2010 elections despite overwhelming legal opinions to the contrary.

His son, Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Emano (1st district), has already declared support for Gilberto Teodoro, the administration’s standard bearer.

Pro-administration Councilor Ramon Tabor said PaDayon has continued "to stick to earlier announcements that the party is supporting Joseph Estrada for president."

"I don't know the eventuality of these current realignments with Noynoy's entry into the race. But as it stands, our party leader (Emano) has not changed his mind on supporting Erap," said Tabor, minority leader of the administration-dominated City Council.

Meanwhile, local supporters of Aquino are gearing up to receive LP’s standard bearer as he arrives Saturday for the fourth leg of his first Mindanao tour since he announce his candidacy.

Arriving in the evening, Aquino’s entourage will be welcomed by Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno at Hotel Koresco at around 8:30 p.m., said lawyer Roy Raagas, coordinator of the local multi-sectoral group supporting Noynoy’s candidacy.

“Everything is set and ready for Sen. Noynoy’s arrival here today (Saturday),” said Raagas, a former city councilor who also heads the Young Cagay-anons for Democracy (YCD)—one of the local groups supportive of Noynoy.

Aquino will then proceed to Iligan City early Sunday to grace the annual “Dyandi Festival,” and return to Cagayan de Oro on the same day to launch the “Noynoy Aquino for President Movement” in the city.

Local support-groups and volunteers will jointly read their “manifesto of support” to Aquino and Sen. Mar Roxas, LP vice presidential candidate, said Raagas.

“I believe the Aquino-Roxas tandem will be our best bet for good and transparent governance,” said he added.