Aquino bares ‘powerhouse’ ticket for 2013

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III officially proclaimed on Monday the administration’s “powerhouse senatorial slate” for the 2013 elections.

“More than popularity, the LP-Akbayan-NPC-NP-LDP-NUP coalition senatorial slate is born of a shared set of principles. The slate represents those who have helped in the advancement  of the President’s agenda and those who have committed to support his programs of government,”  the Liberal   Party said in a statement.

NPC stands  for  Nationalist People’s Coalition, NP is  Nacionalista Party, LDP is  Laban Demokratikong Pilipino while NUP is National Unity Party.

Aquino’s cousin, Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, was the first candidate introduced by the President in a press conference held at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan. He is the youngest candidate running for senator.

In an interview, Bam said he is running to represent the youth in the Senate.

Included in the lineup were former Senators Ramon Magsasay Jr. and  Jamby Madrigal; former Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros,  Aurora  Representative Juan Edgardo Angara; former Las Pinas Representative Cynthia Villar, wife of incumbent Senator Manuel Villar.

Also included were Senators Loren Legarda,  Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Antonio Trillanes  IV.

Completing the lineup was MTRCB chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares, daughter of the late Fermando Poe Jr.

Present in the press conference were Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Senator Franklin Drilon , Interior  Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abay, among others.    Matikas Santos, INQUIRER.net