PNoy endorsing Mar for president in 2016?

President Benigno Aquino III asked his party mates in the Liberal Party (LP) to "help" his defeated running mate former Senator Mar Roxas in 2016.

The President's statement, made on Wednesday night at a gathering in Malacañang, was seen as a subtle endorsement of a possible bid by Roxas in the next presidential elections.

"Sana tulungan niyo ang katabi ko para sa 2016 (I hope you help the one next to me in 2016)," said the president, who was beside Roxas during the LP fellowship.

Earlier on Wednesday, Roxas retained the presidency of the Liberal Party.

Aquino also justified his decision to tap Roxas as "troubleshooter."

Party sources said the President has long promised to back a Roxas presidential bid to repay his earlier "sacrifice" of foregoing his own presidential ambitions to give way to Aquino.