In LP’s first pol ad, PNoy says some candidates posing as his supporters

The first political advertisement of the administration coalition was launched on Monday, featuring President Benigno Aquino III himself warning against candidates posing as his supporters. In the 30-second advertisement, Aquino said: “Sa daang matuwid, marami ang gustong sumali, pero mayroon ding nagpapanggap lamang.” The President then enumerated the names of all 12 administration senatorial candidates, who were all shown walking and mostly wearing yellow—Aquino’s trademark color. Aquino likewise described the administration coalition candidates—who were collectively referred to in the advertisement as “Team PNoy”—as “mga tunay na matuwid sa daang matuwid.” The advertisement ended with a voice-over saying: “Mag-ingat sa hindi tunay.” The administration party’s political advertisement was aired ahead of the official campaign season, which is scheduled to start on February 12. Earlier this month, LP’s rival coalition—the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA)—started airing a political advertisement featuring its own set of senatorial candidates. 'Draw the line' Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, an administration ally, said LP’s political advertisement “draws the line between administration candidates and the opposition.” “I think this initial ad is very clear that the Team PNoy is the administration candidates [and] that the bets of UNA are the opposition. This will guide the people about whom to support in the May 13 elections,” Evardone said in a text message. He likewise admitted that the administration coalition is hoping that its senatorial candidates will be carried by Aquino’s popularity. Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco, UNA secretary general, for his part, said that his coalition “has always been a constructive opposition.” “We support and commend programs that benefit the people, but will bring up shortcomings and misguided policies of the government,” Tiangco said at a separate press briefing. A survey conducted by pollster Social Weather Stations from January 17 to 19 showed that four administration candidates, five UNA bets and three common candidates are “likely” to be the winners in the Senate race. — BM/HS, GMA News