500 LP members on mass leave, LP not bothered

Former Liberal Party (LP) member Governor Edgardo Tallada (left) and LP logo (right) (Photo courtesy of Camarines Norte News)

MANILA – According to several reports, about 500 Camarines Norte members of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) took a ‘mass leave of absence,’ after Governor Edgardo Tallada was expelled from the political party.

Tallado got involved in a sex scandal last year with a woman who was not his wife. This prompted the LP to investigate on the matter and later on expelled him from the party on grounds of immorality.

In its resolution, the ruling party withheld that Tallado’s ‘immoral act tarnished the good name and reputation of the LP as a whole.’

“The LP leadership has a different point of view on the issue. His case underwent a process. It was decided on by the regional leaders so we respect and support that,” LP member and possible standard-bearer Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said, emphasizing that Tallado was given ‘fair and due process.’

Another LP member, party secretary general Mel Sarmiento, urged party members to respect the ruling, clarifying that they could still support Tallada even if he was no longer a member of the political party.