According to a PDP-Laban official, the administration already has a “shortlist” of options for 12 candidates that President Rodrigo Duterte will support for the senatorial race in Election 2022.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is now finalizing his senatorial line-up composed of reelectionist, returning senators, cabinet members, and prominent personalities,” said Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, PDP-Laban vice president for Visayas.
The list includes the names of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Information and Communications chief Gregorio Honasan II, Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, former senator JV Ejercito, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Greco Belgica, and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar.
Also in the selection are TV host Willie Revillame and actor Robin Padilla, and broadcaster Raffy Tulfo.
According to Evardone, Duterte will campaign for candidates who will be supported by PDP-Laban.
Those who will be selected will be based on their track record in serving the people, integrity, ability, and concern for the poor.
Administration prepares senatorial lineup for Election 2022
Evardone could not say when the list of 12 candidates for the administration in the senatorial race will be final.
But last week, Revillame said he had an important decision to announce in the first week of August.
“Sa August mayroon akong malaking announcement sa inyong lahat,” he said. “Ito po desisyon sa buhay para sa akin ito at para sa ating lahat. Sana po ay maintindihan niyo.”
Although Willie did not make a direct statement on whether it was about his possible run as a senator in the 2022 elections, the TV host assured that he would not be a “kenkoy.” He added he would not steal the people’s money.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala hindi ako kenkoy sa Senado. Hindi kami magkekenkoyan. Tutulong, gagawa ng paraan, gagawa ng batas sa mga taong nagugutom. Hindi po magpapatawa doon,” he explained.
He also pleaded not to underestimate the artists involved in politics.
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