MANILA, Philippines -- Former Senator Sergio Osmeña III is the Liberal Party?s sixth candidate fo the same position in 2010 although the announcement has yet to be made official, the LP campaign manager revealed on Thursday.

Before joining the LP, Osmeña worked as campaign manager for Senator Francis ?Chiz? Escudero, who is reportedly eyeing the presidency in 2010.

?At the proper time, he [Osmeña] will make his entry official. It?s just a question of timing. But for all intents and purposes, there?s a certain meetings of minds,? Florencio ?Butch? Abad, told INQUIRER.net over the phone.

?There?s nothing official yet but the indications are very good that he will eventually come in the stage,? Abad said.

Osmeña, in a separate interview, confirmed the talks with LP officials over his inclusion as a senatorial candidate for the party but that he would make an announcement before November 30, the deadline for the filing of the certificates candidacy.

Osmeña is the second senatorial candidate from other political groups to join the LP next to Bukidnon Representative Teofisto Guingona III, a former member of Senator Manny Villar?s Nacionalista Party (NP).

Aside from Osmeña and Guingona, other LP senatorial candidates are former Senator Franklin Drilon, Muntinlupa Representative Rufino Biazon, Akbayan Partylist Representative Risa Hontiveros, and former congressman Nereus Acosta.

Osmeña said his close ties with the family of Senator Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino was the reason why he decided to leave Escudero three weeks ago.

?We?re friends,? he said, describing his relationship with Escudero after he made the decision.

?He [Escudero] was very understanding. He knows that I can?t separate with the Aquino family,? said Osmeña.

Osmeña was confident that Escudero would be in good hands with his replacement, Lito Banayo, whom he described as ?very competent.?

Banayo used to work with Senator Panfilo ?Ping? Lacson, who withdrew from the presidential race, citing monetary considerations.