UNA eyes Pacquiao as possible senatorial bet in 2016

(Updated 3:15 p.m.) The United Nationalist Alliance on Monday said it is eyeing Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao as a possible senatorial candidate in the 2016 national elections.

UNA Secretary General Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said in a press briefing that UNA would like to include Pacquiao in its senatorial slate should he decide on running for a national post.

"Kung desidido siyang tumakbo, we'd like to have him," Tiangco said.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, UNA’s founder, has been quoted as saying in earlier reports that Pacquiao will be included in his senatorial lineup for 2016 since the famed boxer is qualified to run for the Senate.

He said Pacquiao is among the members of his former party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), who is interested in joining the new political party he is forming for the 2016 elections.

Among the other lawmakers being considered by UNA for its senatorial slate are Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and BUHAY party-list Rep. Lito Atienza.

Sotto and Gatchalian are members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition while Romualdez is with Lakas-CMD.

Tiangco said UNA is open to accepting anyone who wishes to become part of its senatorial slate for 2016—even members of the ruling Liberal Party—as long as he or she meets certain qualifications.

 “[Kung] okay naman ang performance niya, tatanggapin namin. Walang imposible,” he said.

Binay will reveal the name of his own political party within the month when he and other opposition members apply for its registration with the Commission on Elections, Tiangco said. —KBK, GMA News