Defensor quits to run for Senate

Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor on Friday formally resigned from his Cabinet post to prepare for his senatorial bid on May 14. Defensor said he will file his certificate of candidacy with the Commission on Elections on February 12, the last day for the listing of senatorial aspirants. Defensor, in his farewell speech to Palace reporters, said the task of getting the country’s 45 million voters would be “an uphill fight," but “it is the odds which have made it more exciting." “On Valentine’s Day I will start my courting, and I know that people will say yes," he said. Defensor said he is not bothered by the Pulse Asia survey, which showed him at number 15. He said the campaign period has not yet started and he has not yet introduced himself to voters.- GMANews.TV