Zubiri running for senator in 2013 under Binay party

BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines  – Former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed that he will run for senator in the 2013 elections under the United Alliance (UNA) party of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Zubiri, who was here as keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet at Panaad Park and Stadium last Monday, said the UNA lineup has currently 10 senatorial candidates.

He said Binay’s UNA ticket will likely be comprised of incumbent Senators Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Gregorio Honasan and Koko Pimentel, former senators Richard Gordon and Ernesto Maceda, and representatives JV Ejercito, Jack Enrile and Mitos Magsaysay.

They are leaving three slots open for the Nacionalista Party, as Alan Peter Cayetano and Cynthia Villar may also join the United Alliance.

Zubiri said UNA is composed of smaller political parties not allied with the Liberal Party, such as PNP-Laban, Nationalist People’s Coalition and the PMP (Partido ng Masang Pilipino).

He said the lineup is for 13 as there may be 13, instead of 12, Senate seats open in the May elections next year, with Sen. Miriam Santiago taking a job as judge in the International Criminal Court.

Zubiri confirmed that Binay will run for president in 2016.

He said Binay wants to be a healing presidential candidate in 2016, the reason why the small political parties formed a coalition under the UNA.