Joey de Venecia backs out of Senate race

MANILA, Philippines - Businessman Joey de Venecia, son of former speaker Jose de Venecia, withdrew his senatorial bid supposedly under the UNA.

De Venecia said that after one month of reflection, he decided not to run for the Senate and instead concentrate on his business in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

Nancy Binay-Angeles, a daughter of Vice President Binay, and Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian are being considered as replacement for De Venecia.

Quezon Rep Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III is allegedly being recruited by UNA to be one of its senatorial bets after the congressman was reportedly eased out of the LP senatorial slate.

A congressional source told The STAR yesterday that Binay’s UNA has been trying to reach Tañada, though without success.

Tañada was conspicuously absent in yesterday’s proclamation of the LP coalition’s senatorial candidates by President Aquino. Of the 12 candidates, only three belong to the LP.

Just last week, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, who is LP secretary-general, said Tañada and Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon were in the “long list of 15 potential candidates” of the coalition.

UNA’s executive committee composed of Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former President Joseph Estrada have not yet decided who will replace De Venecia.