PNoy reveals 4 sure LP senatorial bets for 2013

 

“Well, we have four candidates already that have been decided,” Aquino said during the general assembly of the Joint Alumni Clubs Wharton Alumni, University of Pennsylvania in Makati City.

 

“The four, we have (Customs Commissioner) Ruffy Biazon; we have (former Akbayan Rep.) Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel; we have (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general) Joel Villanueva; and (Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo) Sonny Angara also,” the President said.

 

Of the four, Biazon and Hontiveros-Baraquel were both defeated senatorial candidates of LP in the 2010 elections. Aquino is LP national chariman.

 

Aquino had earlier “endorsed” Villanueva and Angara but Malacañang said it cannot be considered as premature campaigning as the two have yet to file their certificates of candidacy.

 

“There are, as you know, there are a lot more applicants than slots. There are at least 24, probably 32 [who] are applying for the 12 slots,” the President said.

 

He refused to name the other candidates, saying it is still premature to identify them.

 

“It will be unfair for those who have [applied] or [are] applying [and who] might not be accepted,” he said.

 

Aquino likewise said that the ruling party has ongoing talks with various coalition partners.

 

Asked if he would be endorsing a candidate for the 2016 elections, Aquino said: “The performance of the administration will be the biggest endorsement.” — RSJ, GMA News