Binay confirms UNA Senate slate

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay has confirmed the list of candidates who will be included in the senatorial line-up of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

In a radio interview during his visit in Isabela on Friday, Binay said those who will be part of their slate will support various advocacies that seek to benefit the Filipino people.

“It is already complete,” Binay said. “The last was Susan Ople.”

With the slate already announced by Binay, UNA spokesman Mon Ilagan yesterday said they may not schedule a grand proclamation of their candidates for the Senate.

Ople, who filed her candidacy under Nacionalista Party, is the daughter of former Senate president Blas Ople.

A known advocate of overseas Filipino workers’ rights, Ople ran but lost for the Senate in 2010 under the ticket of then presidential candidate Manuel Villar.

She is one of the six guest candidates in the opposition slate. The others are incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, re-electionist Sen. Vicente Sotto III and former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Richard Gordon and Panfilo Lacson.

Completing the list are UNA members boxing icon Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, former Special Action Force chief retired police director Getulio Napeñas, actress and Parañaque City councilor Alma Moreno, Princess Jacel Kiram of the Sulu Sultanate, veteran broadcaster Rey Langit and labor lawyer Allan Montaño.

“Our candidates are all advocates,” said Binay, noting some of the platforms of those in their Senate line-up.

Binay was in Tagum City yesterday to speak at the Alpha Phi Omega Mindanao Alumni Fellowship and lead the opening of the 16th National Scout Jamboree.