(Update 2) Roco files candidacy for senator with JV, Binay

The widow of former senator Raul Roco has filed Sunday morning her candidacy to run for senator. Wearing peach, Sonia Malasarte Roco, first prayed at the San Agustin church, before going to the Commission on Elections at about 9:15 a.m. Roco was accompanied by San Juan Mayor Joseph "JV" Ejercito and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, the president of the United Opposition (UNO). She was also with her family, friends and supporters from the Aksyon Demokratiko party. "I am very thankful for the sacrifice that JV did," Roco told radio dzBB. Former President Estrada earlier replaced JV with Roco in the UNO's senatorial lineup. Roco told dzBB Estrada has assured her of the 12th seat in the opposition slate. "I wanted to accompany the person whom I gave up my seat for. I am happy...This may be a sacrifice but I did this for the good of the people. I really appreciate her display of gratitude," Ejercito told dzBB in Filipino. Roco, who is from Bohol, graduated magna cum laude from St. Joseph's College in Quezon City with a degree on Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Education. She was a leader of Student Catholic Action and the National Union of Students of the Philippines. Raul lost in the 1998 presidential elections to then vice president Estrada. The late senator played a key role in the Senate impeachment trial of Estrada in 2000. -GMANews.TV