LP eyes up to 17 senatorial bets in 2013

Bam Aquino, chairman of National Youth Commission delivers his speech during the launching of the MDG (Millenium Development Goal) Album Tayo Tayo Rin sa 2015 held at the Hotel Intercon in Makati City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – At least 17 names are now being considered by the administration for  its  senatorial  ticket  in 2013,  Paolo  Benigno  ‘Bam’ Aquino  IV told  Radyo INQUIRER 990 on  Monday.

And Aquino, cousin of President Benigno Aquino III, said he was in the  shortlist of the administration’s ticket.

“At this point, I think there are about 16 or 17 names na tinitingnan na kung pwedeng makapasok sa final list (who are being considered in the final list). I’m on the shortlist so to speak nga po,” the younger Aquino said during the interview.

Bam did not identify the 16 0r 17 names but earlier reports mentioned Aurora Representative Sonny Angara, former lawmaker Risa Hontiveros, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, and TESDA director-general Joel Villanueva as part of the administration’s line up.

Bam said the President was “very open” when he spoke to him his plan to run for the Senate next year.

Bam is the son of Paul Aquino, youngest brother of the President’s father and namesake, martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

“He (the President) is very open to it. In fact,  tinanong nya ako. Ang sabi nya mahirap ang buhay na ito, sigurado ka ba talaga?  Desidido  pa ako.  (he said this life is difficult and he asked me if  I was really sure. I told him I am decided). I really want to serve. And he said he will be supportive but of course the party has a process,” he said, referring to the President’s Liberal Party.

Bam said Senator Francis  “Kiko” Pangilinan was among those who encouraged him to join the  senatorial race.