P-Noy's cousin likely drafted in LP senatorial slate

MANILA, Philippines - A first cousin of President Aquino may likely be drafted into the senatorial slate of the ruling Liberal Party for next year’s midterm elections.

Reliable sources revealed that 35-year-old Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV – who bears resemblance to the President’s martyred father and namesake – will most likely be included in the administration lineup.

The younger Aquino is the son of the President’s paternal uncle Paul. An uncle of the President, Agapito or ‘Butz’, and aunt Tessie were elected senator during the administrations of the late Corazon Aquino and former President Joseph Estrada, respectively.

“Bam Aquino who may represent the youth sector is now seriously being considered by the LP. He is a known youth leader being the former chairman of the National Youth Commission,” the source disclosed.

Bam is president of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO). He was a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) award in 2010 for Social Enterprise and Community Development.

Earlier, Aquino announced four of the 12 LP senatorial candidates – TESDA director-general Joel Villanueva, Aurora Rep. Sonny Angara, ex-Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon. Sen. Franklin Drilon, an LP stalwart, said he has recruited former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. to join the administration slate.

Sources said House Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III is also on the list along with reelectionist senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV of the Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manuel Villar. The latter’s wife Rep. Cynthia Villar of Las Piñas, now on her third and last term as congresswoman, is also reportedly being eyed as administration senatorial candidate. Also on the initial list are senators Francis Escudero and Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition of tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., maternal uncle of the President.

Talks are also ongoing for the possible entry of Sen. Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, who had just left the United Nationalist Alliance of former President Joseph Estrada and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“We are open, if he (Pimentel) is interested. We just gave him time to sort out his situation with UNA. Now that he has made up his mind, there is room for talks and that will happen soon,” said LP stalwart and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Ronald Llamas echoed the same sentiments. “So, I think the President will graciously welcome Senator Koko if he should decide to join the administration ticket for 2013,” he said.

“The administration will always be open for Senator Pimentel. He and the President clearly share the same advocacies and principles especially against electoral fraud, impunity and the promotion of a more credible and transparent electoral system,” he said.

“I’m sure the President understands the sentiments of Senator Koko regarding the inclusion of several questionable personalities in the UNA slate which goes against his principles and values,” Llamas added.

With the 13 names, Pimentel may still be included since Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is likely to assume her post as a member of the International Criminal Court, where she has been nominated and elected.

“The LP will just eliminate two names from these potential candidates, it is almost done and complete,” the source said. “The LP will form a coalition with other political parties and candidates do not need to join the ruling party.”