Lacson, Lapid son, other execs complete LP Senate slate

MANILA, Philippines - The Liberal Party (LP) announced on Monday its complete list of senatorial candidates for the 2016 elections which included executives of the Aquino administration.

At the LP national headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City, the party officially named Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, resigned Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva and PhilHealth Director Risa Hontiveros as its senatorial bets.

Also part of the LP's senatorial slate as guest candidates were Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority general manager Mark Lapid, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Coop Natcco party-list Rep. Cresente Paez and Interior Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs Nariman Ambolodto.

About two weeks ago, the LP named Senate President Franklin Drilon, Sens. Teofisto Guingona and Ralph Recto and former Sen. Francis Pangilinan as its first four senatorial candidates.

The LP was set to announce its Senate slate last Friday but postponed it yet again after Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino asked the party leadership to remove him from the line-up.

Tolentino drew flak recently for allegedly bringing scantily clad female dancers to an LP event in Laguna late last month.

The LP also deferred the announcement of its senatorial line-up to give additional discernment time to Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who eventually declined to run for senator.

The administration coalition is fielding former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II as its presidential candidate and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo as his running mate.

During Robredo's proclamation on October 5, President Benigno Aquino III said the administration coalition remains intact unlike other political parties.

"Kapag inihain na natin sa ating mga boss ang ating senatorial slate, lalo pang magiging malinaw: Habang hirap na hirap ang iba na magtagpi-tagpi ng koalisyon, buong-buo naman ang ating puwersa," he said.