Pimentel won’t run with ‘notoriously corrupt’ Arroyo allies

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III ruled out on Monday running with any of “notoriously corrupt” allies of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 2013 senatorial race.

Pimentel is included on the slate of the newly-formed coalition of Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada, the United Alliance (UNA).

“I’m willing to run with Mitos Magsaysay. As to other GMA (Arroyo’s nickname) allies, case to case. But no way with those notoriously corrupt,” the senator said in a text message.

Magsaysay is Zambales Representative Milagros Magsaysay, a known Arroyo supporter but is also reportedly being considered in the UNA ticket.

Asked to identify who were the “notoriously corrupt” he was referring to, Pimentel said, “You wil know when I refused to run with them.”