LP choosing among 15 bets for senatorial lineup

MANILA, Philippines - The Liberal Party (LP) has another predicament aside from looking for a running mate for its standard bearer, Mar Roxas II: its senatorial line up for the 2016 elections has an excess of three candidates.

In an interview with TV program Umagang Kay Ganda, Senate President and LP stalwart Franklin Drilon said the party leadership will have to discuss the 15 senatorial candidates on its list during a meeting today at its headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City.

"Ngayong alas-nuwebe po ay 'yung proseso ay magsisimula. Si Secretary Mar Roxas ang aming inonominate bilang aming kandidato sa pagka-pangulo, at sa ngayon ay 'yung mga senador, ay lagpas po sa 12. Medyo patuloy ang pag-uusap, may 15 sa aming listahan," Drilon said.

When asked to divulge the names in the list, Drilon declined.

"Huwag muna. Kaya kami ay may proseso at iyan ay pag-uusapan pa. Sabi ko nga, labis sa 12, kaya amin pang pinag-uusapan," he said.

Drilon said that during the National Executive Council meeting, party members will officially nominate who will be LP's standard bearer, its vice president and senatorial candidates.

"Ang pormalidad ay tatayo at magnonominate, pero alam na natin kung sino ang lumapit at balak na tumakbo talaga so pinaguusapan namin talaga which is, or who is the best one we can present to the people," he said.