Mar to Bistek: Run for senator in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas is urging Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista to seek a Senate seat in the 2016 general elections.

Roxas, who attended the turnover of 94 housing units in Barangay Culiat on Wednesday, teased Bautista if he had asked permission from President Aquino’s sister, Kris, to run for higher office next year. 

Bautista had been romantically linked to Kris.

Citing the mayor’s experience and track record in local government, Roxas said Bautista would surely get the support of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte should he decide to run for senator.

Bautista said he has yet to talk to Speaker Belmonte about his political plans for 2016.

He, however, said he is open to the possibility of running for senator under the administration party.

“Why not? I think I am qualified. I have served the people of Quezon City for 30 years,” he said. 

Actors Ding Dong Dantes and Ogie Alcasid are also reportedly being eyed by the LP for its senatorial slate in 2016.