Sotto: ‘Torn’ NPC to concentrate on Poe, Ejercito, Lapid

MANILA, Philippines — Even as the elections draw closer, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) is still “torn” over its choice of senatorial bets.

“Medyo nabibiyak ang puso namin sa ngayon,” Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, acting chair of NPC, said on Wednesday.

Asked then if the NPC would no longer endorse a full Senate ticket in the May 2019 polls, Sotto said they have decided to just focus on three senatorial bets.

The three are Senators JV Ejercito, Lito Lapid, and Grace Poe. Ejercito and Lapid are party members while Poe is an adopted candidate.

“Concentrate muna kay JV, Lito, (and) Grace,” Sotto said, “Pero ako focus on our reelectionists. I’m doing my underground work like a submarine muna.”

Aside from Ejercito and Poe, five other incumbent senator are seeking re-election and they are Senators Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Cynthia Villar, Koko Pimentel, and Bam Aquino.

Lapid and all seven re-electionist senators were part of Sotto’s “Tough 10” senatorial bets. The two others are former presidential aide Christopher “Bong” Go and Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano.

Sotto underscored the importance of getting the endorsement of big groups like NPC every election.

“Pivotal yun mga support from big groups like NPC,” he said.

READ: Sotto lists “Tough Ten” Senate bets

Led by its chair emeritus Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, the NPC met Tuesday night and endorsed the senatorial bid of the three.

“It was an endorsement and an appeal to our NPC partymates to campaign for our NPC senatorial candidates and adopted candidates,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who attended the meeting. /je