Palparan to run for Senate

MALOLOS, Philippines – Retired Army general Jovito Palparan has announced his intention to run for senator in the 2016 elections.

Palparan’s lawyer Narzal Mallares made the announcement for Palparan after attending yesterday the bail petition hearing of the former Army general who was charged with kidnapping with serious illegal detention in the Malolos regional trial court for the disappearance of two University of the Philippines students, Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

Palparan’s counsel had also filed in court a motion for leave of court to allow the former general, dubbed by militants as “The Butcher,” to transfer his voter’s registration from Pasig to Taguig so that he could participate in the senatorial race next year.

Mallares said that they are optimistic that the court would grant their petition because it is the right of their client since he is not yet convicted of the charges filed against him.

The lawyer did not say if a political party will take in Palparan as a senatorial bet or if he would run as an independent.

The private prosecutors are against the motion filed by Palparan.

They claimed that it is against the process of justice but agreed that being a candidate in the coming elections is also a right of the accused since he is not yet convicted.

The next hearing on Palparan’s petition is set Nov. 5.

Meanwhile, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada endorsed yesterday Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares for senator in 2016.

In a speech during the convention of the leftist political group, Makabayan or Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan, Estrada said the country needs Colmenares in the Senate to represent the poor Filipino majority.

“I have not endorsed any senatorial candidates yet. Honorable Congressman Neri Colmenares is the first senatorial candidate that I am endorsing. I am endorsing him because I believe in him and his vision for the country. Leaders like him are what we need in the Senate,” Estrada said.

Estrada cited Colmenares’ efforts to block the high electricity rate imposed by the Manila Electric Co. that forced Meralco to implement reforms.

Estrada said that he has forgiven the leftist groups instrumental in his removal from Malacañang in 2001.

Colmenares thanked Estrada for the endorsement.

Revilla: presidential run on hold

Detained Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. admitted yesterday that he had intended to run for president next year, a dream shelved for now as he shifted focus towards clearing his name.

He said the plan might even be among the reasons why he landed in jail on plunder charges.

“I believe it is one of the reasons why I am in jail. But even then, I can say I am still young and Bong Revilla will rise,” he told reporters at the Sandiganbayan.

The lawmaker, who was charged by the Office of the Ombudsman before the anti-graft court for allegedly receiving kickbacks from the bogus non-government organizations of Janet Lim-Napoles, said clearing his name is more important.

He was supposed to attend pre-trial at the Sandiganbayan First Division yesterday. However, this was moved to February after both prosecution and defense lawyers admitted to failing to finish the marking of evidence.

Revilla remains detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame, along with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada who is also facing plunder and graft charges, after his petition to post bail was denied by the courts.

He is dismayed over how the trial of his case suffered another delay, considering that he has been in jail for a year and three months.

“But God is merciful,” he said, noting that his political plans will have to take a backseat as he is yet to decide on whether he will run for office next year.

He said he is not in a hurry when it comes to politics, adding that “not losing hope” is more important to him now.