UNA expected to name more senatorial bets

MANILA, Philippines – Leaders of the United Alliance (UNA) are set to meet this Monday and expected to name its second batch of candidates for next year’s senatorial election.

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Vice-President Jejormar Binay huddle during dinner at the pre-birthday celebration of the former president on Endurun College in Taguig. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The second  batch of UNA  senatorial  bets  will likely  include former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Zambales Representative Milgaros “Mitos” Magsaysay and  Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, sources told INQUIRER.net.

UNA has so far named Senator Gregorio  Honasan II, Cagayan Representative Juan  Ponce-Enrile Jr., San Juan Representative Joseph Victor Ejercito, Jose de Venecia III and Senator  Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to its line-up.

Expected at Monday’s meeting  of UNA were  Vice  President  Jejomar Binay, Enrile, former President  Joseph Estrada, and other officials of the group.

On the  agenda of the meeting, sources said, were the guidelines on selection of local candidates, consideration of partylist groups that expressed intention to join the coalition, and the list of the second batch of candidates for the 2013  senatorial election.

Sources quickly clarified that the meeting was not called because of  the conflict  between  Pimentel and Zubiri.

The two had been at odds when Pimentel contested Zubiri’s  victory in 2007, which prompted the Zamboanga legislator to resign from the Senate last year.

And when Zubiri joined Estrada’s  Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), Pimentel  publicly opposed the his inclusion in the UNA ticket.

“[The meeting] was not called because of Koko-Migz issue. It’s just one of several items  in the agenda,” said sources.

After the meeting, the sources said UNA might announce the second batch  of its senatorial bets.

“Most likely Governor Gwen,  Mitos  and Migz,” said the sources.

“Unless the elders decide to give Koko one last chance to change his mind,” the sources added, referring to reports that  Pimentel might just join the administration  ticket led by the Liberal Party of  President Benigno Aquino III.