KBL picks Syjuco as presidential candidate

MANILA, Philippines – The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) has adopted former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco as its presidential candidate for the 2016 elections.

Vicente Millora, KBL president, said he has issued Syjuco a certificate of adoption to prove to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that he is qualified to run for president in 2016.

“Syjuco is the most qualified candidate to run (for president) being a former congressman and (having a) track record of public service and one of the richest candidates as reflected in his statement of assets and liabilities,” he said.

Millora said Syjuco has P300 million in declared assets, which is higher than the assets declared by other presidential candidates, adding that the KBL political machinery can be used for a nationwide campaign.

He said, however, that the KBL under his faction will support the vice presidential run of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Another KBL faction, led by Jose Vicente Opinion, stated that it has yet to decide on whom to support in May.

Millora and Opinion, both lawyers, are locked in a power struggle within the KBL, each claiming to be the legitimate president of the party.

Millora filed a petition before the Comelec to nullify Opinion’s installation as KBL’s new chairman and president, arguing that it was done without the general assembly, which is a violation of the party’s laws.

Both KBL officers separately issued Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) to hundreds of local candidates.