LP senatorial bets file COCs separately

MANILA, Philippines - Five members of the Liberal Party's (LP) senatorial slate separately filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

The first one to file was PhilHealth Director Risa Hontiveros who is running for senator for the third time.

With her experience in PhilHealth, Hontiveros mentioned health care as one of her priorities as well as her drive to fight corruption.

Another LP member to file his COC for senator is former Pampanga governor and current Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Mark Lapid.

Mark, the son of Sen. Lito Lapid, filed his COC accompanied by his father, and wife Tanya Garcia. He said if he wins a Senate seat, he will improve the tourism in the country.

"Siyempre ang turismo po 'yan po ang unang una nating reporma na ipagpapatuloy at isusulong dahil diyan po ang asenso. 'Yan po ang magbibigay ng trabaho at mga kabuhayan sa ating mga kababayan," Mark said.

The third LP member who submitted COC was former senator and resigned food security czar Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. He was accompanied by wife, Sharon Cuneta.

"Tayo po ay tumatakbo dahil naniniwala po tayong ang atin pong sinimulang mga gawain sa hanay ng agrikultura kinakailangan po nating ituloy lalo na ang mataas na presyo ng pagkain," Pangilinan said.

Senate President Franklin Drilon filed his senatorial candidacy through his brother Cesar Drilon since he is out of the country at the moment.

Senate President Pro-tempore Ralph Recto was the last LP member to file on Wednesday. He was accompanied by his wife, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos.

Recto enumerated his seven legislative agenda: education, health care, reducing food prices, creating more jobs with higher pays, faster Internet connection, promoting savings, allowing families to own homes, and addressing criminality and proliferation of illegal drugs.

On Monday, LP guest candidate and former Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson also filed his candidacy for senator.

Six other LP senatorial bets are expected to file in the remaining two days. These are Sen. Teofisto "TG" Guingona, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Outgoing Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva, former Energy Secretary Jericho Icot Petilla, Coop Natcco party-list Rep. Cresente Paez and Interior Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs Nariman Ambolodto.

The official administration ticket was declared at the LP Head quarters in Balay, Cubao, Quezon City.