The ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) submitted 25 names to President Rodrigo Duterte for consideration for the ruling party’s senatorial slate in next year’s mid-term polls.
In a letter to Mr. Duterte that PDP president Sen. Aquilino Pimentel submitted during last night’s PDP Cares anniversary, 19 party members and friends from other groups and five reelectionist-senators were among those on the shortlist.
“I will seek guidance from the President…his high approval rating could sway, could lead victory to our candidates,” Pimentel told reporters yesterday.
Pimentel said the President has the final say on who will be included in the 12-man senatorial slate of the PDP.
Apart from Pimentel, who will be seeking reelection, other party members being considered are Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go; former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino; Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles; Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu; Rep. Geraldine Roman; Rep. Monsour del Rosario; Rep. Alfredo Benitez; Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua; singer Freddie Aguilar and broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad.
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Also submitted for consideration are friends of PDP Davao Mayor Sara Duterte; former Philippine National Police Chief and now Bureau of Corrections head Ronald de la Rosa; actor Robin Padilla; former Sen. Lito Lapid; former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan; journalist Ramon Tulfo; presidential spokesman Harry Roque and Rep. Pia Cayetano.
The five reelectionist-senators being considered by PDP are Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Grace Poe and Nancy Binay.
Pimentel sought an audience with the President to discuss the matter and other issues concerning the PDP.
“I hope that the party leadership can sit down with you, as the party chairman, at the earliest possible time so we can talk about party matters and prepare for the fast approaching May 2019 elections,” Pimentel said.
He noted the party only has end of September to finalize its slate.
Pimentel stressed that the final slate is not limited to those who are included in his list.
Apart from advocating federalism, Pimentel said that among the primary criteria is winnability.
Pimentel made a strong pitch for the younger Duterte to seek a Senate seat which he said would give Mindanao a louder voice at the Upper Chamber.
Pimentel cited the “charisma and political will” of the eldest daughter of the President.
