Gordon, Legarda among UNA bets for 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday that former senator Richard Gordon and Sen. Loren Legarda are among the senatorial candidates to be fielded by the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in the 2013 midterm elections.

Estrada told The STAR that UNA’s senatorial slate is now almost complete with the inclusion of Gordon. a former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman, and Legarda.

Other UNA senatorial candidates include San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, Rep. Jackie Enrile (son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile), Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Ernesto Maceda.

“We only have four more to choose among the best, capable and with high integrity applicants for UNA’s senatorial slate,” Estrada said.

Estrada earlier welcomed the inclusion of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III in the list of senatorial candidates of the administration Liberal Party (LP).

He said that Pimentel would be an asset to any political party given his experience and performance as a senator, his excellent academic background including, among others, topping the Bar examinations.

Pimentel, who was initially included by UNA in its senatorial slate for next year’s elections, left UNA because he said he cannot campaign alongside Zubiri.

Estrada said he respect Pimentel’s decision, although they tried their best to keep him, but failed.

He said UNA will be serving as the “constructive opposition” and will campaign only on issues.