'Ruling coalition's senatorial slate nearly complete'

MANILA, Philippines - The administration coalition led by the Liberal Party (LP) has nearly completed its senatorial slate for the May 2013 mid-term elections, LP secretary general and Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya Jr. said yesterday.

Abaya said the coalition has about 15 to 16 prospective senatorial candidates.

The administration coalition is composed of the LP led by President Aquino, the Nacionalista Party (NP) of Sen. Manuel Villar, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) of business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.

Of the shortlist, only three are original LP members, namely Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, and his son Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon.

Abaya said half of those who will be included in the senatorial lineup may be “convinced or required” to swear loyalty to the party.

He said former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Bam Aquino IV, a cousin of the President, are also expected to join the LP.

Abaya, however, declined to name those in the shortlist until Aquino gives the go-signal.

Other lawmakers belonging to the LP want to increase the party’s representation in the Senate.

“We prefer inherent LP members to be in the slate. Since we are the biggest bloc in the political spectrum, we should have a bigger representation in the Senate,” Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said.

The elder Biazon, meanwhile, said he is open to seeking another term in the Senate if the party so decides.

“If the party asks me to run so that there would be sufficient representation in the Senate, I will. If not, the other option is re-election,” the Muntinlupa lawmaker said.