Tañada keeps tight lid on Aquino’s plans for him

Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada III

MANILA, Philippines — This time it is more of a wait and see for Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada III who has earlier backed out of the senatorial race to give President Benigno Aquino III a free hand in taking his pick for the Liberal Party’s slate.

In a media forum on Tuesday, Tanada responded to suggestions made by fellow legislators and government officials about Aquino’s possible plans for him in the future, saying that at the moment it is more of wait and see for him on whether an offer to join the government in a different capacity would be made.

But Tanada is not speculating on what may be Aquino’s plans for him in the future, begging off such questions which he said “mahirap magbanggit dahil magkakaroon pa ng intriga (it’s difficult to mention one because it might set off intrigues).”

He however mentioned his inclination towards agriculture.

A lawyer by profession, Tanada said that there were various agencies in which he could fit in and work. “Whether in agriculture in terms of policy direction, that will be fine.”

But pressed for further information, he said that he will just wait for the offer, saying speculations could only muddle the issue.

“Let’s leave it and we’ll see what will happen after the 2013 elections,” he said.

He also insisted that he harbored no ill feelings towards the administration party despite being left out of its senatorial ticket, saying if he did “I should have left the party.”

“I’m an advocate of political party and campaign reforms and I would not live up to my advocacy if I switch parties…,” he maintained.

The third-term Quezon lawmaker reiterated that he did not back out of the senatorial derby because of the controversial Freedom of Information Bill.

Whatever position he is offered in the government after the midterm elections are done, Tanada assured that he will still support the advocacies he has previously fought for. “I’m not expecting it (the offer) whether it comes or not. Whatever the capacity, I will continue to support workers, farmers and my other advocacies.”

But despite bowing out of his bid for a spot at the Senate, he said that he hopes to follow his grandfather and father’s footsteps, both having served as senators before, adding “2013 was an opportunity but it is not the last opportunity.”