Bello mulls over Senate bid

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said yesterday he is weighing his options on a possible bid for a Senate seat in the May 2022 general elections.

Bello said President Duterte has long been encouraging him to run for senator.

“Pinag-iisipan ko talaga kasi alam mo naman gusto ni Pangulo na sumubok pa ako sa Senado,” the labor chief said when asked whether he would be seeking an electoral post next year.

Bello said he needs to consider his health condition and age before making his decision.

“I’m 77 years old. Pag-aaralan ko munang mabuti,” he said.

On Sunday, Bello asked the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the existence of a Facebook account using his name to solicit money.

As posted on the fake Facebook account, the money being solicited will be used apparently to fund Bello’s senatorial bid.

Bello had served as Cabinet secretary to former presidents and also held various local positions.